A violent tremor shook residents across Southern California on Monday morning, marking the latest seismic activity to rattle the region.
According to Fox Weather, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck approximately 2.5 miles south of Julian, northeast of San Diego, at a depth of about 8 miles just after 10 a.m. local time.
The powerful earthquake's impact extended beyond the immediate epicenter, with residents in San Diego, Long Beach, and Los Angeles reporting significant shaking. The seismic event triggered a series of aftershocks, including a notable magnitude 4.0 tremor that struck Julian more than an hour after the initial quake.
John Carneiro, who was at work in Julian during the earthquake, experienced the full force of the seismic event firsthand. He witnessed the tremendous power of nature as the ground beneath him moved violently.
Carneiro said, "The quake shook everything for about 10 seconds and sounded like the biggest rumble you could ever imagine."
The earthquake's intensity prompted immediate response from local authorities and transportation officials. The California Highway Patrol reported significant safety concerns when the seismic activity dislodged large boulders onto Highway 76 in Warner Springs, necessitating specialized equipment for their removal.
The California Department of Transportation quickly mobilized teams to evaluate potential structural damage to affected highways. Their prompt response demonstrated the region's preparedness for seismic events.
The San Diego Sheriff's Office maintained active communication with the public throughout the event. Despite the earthquake's strength, they received no reports of major damage or injuries, providing some relief to concerned residents.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center moved swiftly to assess any potential maritime threats. They concluded that the earthquake's characteristics did not pose a tsunami risk to coastal areas.
The seismic activity persisted throughout Monday afternoon, with multiple aftershocks recorded across the region. These subsequent tremors kept residents and emergency services on high alert.
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey continued monitoring the situation closely, tracking the pattern and intensity of aftershocks. Their data helped local authorities make informed decisions about public safety measures. The earthquake's relatively shallow depth of 8 miles contributed to the intensity of surface shaking felt by residents across Southern California. This factor explained why the tremor was widely felt across such an extensive geographic area.
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Southern California on Monday morning, with its epicenter located near Julian, northeast of San Diego. The seismic event triggered multiple aftershocks, including a significant 4.0 magnitude tremor, and caused rockfalls on Highway 76 in Warner Springs.
While the San Diego Sheriff's Office reported no major injuries or damage, and the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no tsunami threat, local authorities continue monitoring the situation. The California Department of Transportation remains engaged in assessing potential infrastructure damage while emergency services maintain heightened alertness for any additional seismic activity in the region.