San Diego, April 14, 2025 — A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Julian, approximately 60 miles northeast of San Diego, rattling southern California and prompting brief evacuations and emergency checks across the region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of nearly 8 miles (12.9 km), and was part of the Elsinore Fault Zone, a seismically active region often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, the San Andreas Fault.
The tremor, which struck on Monday, followed a 3.3 foreshock recorded on Sunday, and was felt as far north as Los Angeles, 120 miles from the epicenter. Aftershocks continued to ripple through the region throughout the day.
Eyewitness Accounts
Tourist Greg Allen, visiting from out of town, described the unsettling moment the quake hit:
“Everything was moving, the blinds and everything,” Allen told ABC News. “Then we heard people going down the stairs. And since we’re from out of town, we figured we should probably leave the building also.”
No injuries or major structural damage have been reported so far.
Official Response
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed via social media that the Los Angeles Fire Department had initiated its standard post-earthquake survey to assess the city’s infrastructure for any signs of damage.
“Our @LAFD is in earthquake mode and has been activated to conduct its routine survey of the city,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also been briefed on the quake. His office said the state is coordinating with local authorities to determine if any emergency response or aid is required.
Seismological Context
Seismologists emphasize that while Monday’s tremor was significant, it falls within the normal range of seismic activity in California.
“Thousands of earthquakes occur in California every year,” the USGS noted. “Most are minor. Only 15 to 20 per year typically reach a magnitude of 4.0 or greater.”
The Elsinore Fault Zone, which stretches through southern California, is known to produce a 4.0 magnitude quake approximately once a year, and remains one of the state’s most closely monitored seismic zones.
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert, be prepared for potential aftershocks, and review their earthquake safety plans. No evacuation orders have been issued at this time.
