A 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled Southern California on Monday morning, with tremors felt as far as Los Angeles County, though no major injuries or damages were reported.
A strong earthquake struck near Julian, a small mountain town in San Diego County, shaking parts of Southern California on Monday at 10:08 AM local time, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake, centered just a few miles (about 4 kilometers) from Julian, registered a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale.
The tremor was felt more than 120 miles (193 kilometers) away in northern Los Angeles County. Several aftershocks followed, raising concerns in the surrounding areas.
Following the quake, the California Department of Transportation warned drivers to stay alert for fallen rocks along mountainous roads and highways, particularly near State Route northwest of Julian. Officials began inspecting roadways for any potential damage.
Captain Thomas Shoots of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in San Diego County reported that as a precaution, students were temporarily evacuated from school buildings. He confirmed receiving a shake alert shortly before experiencing the tremors firsthand.
Seismologist Lucy Jones stated that the quake struck 8.3 miles (13.4 kilometers) deep, near the Elsinore Fault Zone—one of California’s most active seismic regions. This fault zone is part of the larger San Andreas Fault system, known for producing at least one magnitude 4.0 earthquake annually.
While there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents have been advised to stay prepared in case of stronger aftershocks.
LND/BG
