A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck near Julian, California, on Monday morning, April 14, 2025, at 10:08 a.m. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was centered approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Julian, a small mountain town in San Diego County known for its agricultural roots and tourist attractions.
The tremor was felt across a wide area, with reports of noticeable shaking reaching as far as Los Angeles County. Residents in nearby regions, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties, also experienced the quake. Fortunately, there have been no reports of major structural damage or injuries following the initial quake.
Following the 5.2 magnitude earthquake, at least eight aftershocks were recorded, ranging in magnitude from 2.5 to 3.9. The largest aftershock, measured at 3.9, occurred at 11:23 a.m., approximately three miles southeast of Julian. Other aftershocks were detected shortly after the main quake, with magnitudes of 3.0 and 3.5 reported within minutes.
In the immediate aftermath, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office confirmed that there were no injuries or significant damage reported. "We are still assessing the situation, but so far, everything seems to be okay," said a spokesperson for the office. Local officials are continuing to monitor the situation, and residents are encouraged to report any damage they observe in their communities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. His office tweeted that the state is coordinating with local authorities to evaluate any potential damage and determine if emergency response measures are needed. "The state is in touch with local officials to ensure that any necessary assistance is provided," the tweet stated.
Residents across Southern California received alerts from the ShakeAlert system as the earthquake struck. This system, which sends out warnings for earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater, aims to prepare residents for potential shaking. The MyShake app, developed in partnership with UC Berkeley, also sent notifications to users in the affected areas.
Interestingly, prior to the earthquake, a website called Quakeprediction.com had predicted a significant quake in Southern California, specifically noting a 94% chance of an earthquake in the Julian area just hours before the tremor occurred. At 8:13 a.m. on Monday, the site alerted its users to the likelihood of a major earthquake within the next 48 hours.
As the day progressed, officials from various agencies, including Caltrans and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, began inspections of infrastructure and public safety measures. Caltrans crews were deployed to assess highway conditions, particularly on State Route 76, where rocks had reportedly fallen onto the road.
"We are out there checking for any obstacles and ensuring that the roads are safe for travel," a Caltrans spokesperson stated. Meanwhile, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria assured residents that the city was closely monitoring the situation and urged them to report any damages through the city’s reporting system.
In Julian, local businesses and residents felt the quake's impact firsthand. "It was definitely the strongest earthquake any of us have ever felt," said Juliana Bemben, a customer service manager at the Julian Pie Company. She described how customers inside the shop reacted by rushing outside as merchandise fell from shelves. Fortunately, the shop, which had recently undergone renovations, suffered no damage.
Nearby, Ricki, an assistant store manager at Julian Mercantile, reported that while some merchandise was knocked over, the store was still able to operate. "We're all doing okay. So far, great," she said, indicating that they were cleaning up but had no serious concerns.
As residents continue to assess the aftermath of the earthquake, experts are cautioning that aftershocks are likely to continue over the next week. Renowned seismologist Lucy Jones noted that a magnitude-5.0 earthquake typically has an 89% chance of being followed by an aftershock greater than magnitude-3.0 within the week. The probability of experiencing an aftershock of magnitude 4.0 or greater is about 40%, while the chance of a 5.0 aftershock is roughly 7%.
Jones, who has been studying earthquakes since 1983, remarked that this earthquake was the largest event along the Elsinore fault she had witnessed, highlighting the fault's capacity for significant seismic activity. She described the Elsinore fault as a "junior sibling to the San Andreas," emphasizing its potential for larger earthquakes.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami warning, alleviating concerns for coastal areas. As the situation develops, officials are urging residents to remain prepared for further aftershocks and to have emergency plans in place.
In the wake of the earthquake, many are reminded of the importance of having a "go bag" ready, containing essential items like important documents, flashlights, and supplies. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents are encouraged to stay informed and practice safety measures during seismic events.
Overall, while the earthquake caused significant shaking and concern, the lack of reported injuries and major damage is a relief for many in the affected areas. As California continues to grapple with its seismic nature, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and prepared for future events.
