Earthquake Strikes San Diego County
Introduction to the Earthquake
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook San Diego County and large parts of Southern California on Monday. The temblor was centered three miles south of Julian and 17 miles east of Ramona and was felt across the region. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries but some residents reported feeling a strong jolt.
Impact and Response
San Diego County firefighter Jarrett Ross, who was working at the agency’s Julian station Monday morning, said they all definitely felt the quake but said it was “nothing too crazy.” He said the station hasn’t gotten any calls for injuries or damage since the earthquake. “It was just a long one, probably five seconds long or so,” Ross said. He said nothing fell or became dislodged in the station due to the quake.
Earthquake Early Warning System
Some people on social media told the U.S. Geological Survey that they got an earthquake early warning — fueled by the ShakeAlert system — on their cellphones. “That was awesome! GREAT EARLY WARNING!!!” a resident told the USGS’ ShakeAlert social media account on X. “I got the alert on my phone near downtown San Diego several seconds before the primary [shaking] wave hit. WELL DONE!”
Earthquake Intensity and Aftershocks
The strongest shaking was in sparsely populated areas, considered “strong” on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. That’s enough to be frightening and move furniture but generally causes only slight damage. In more heavily populated areas closer to the San Diego County coast, the U.S. Geological Survey said “light” shaking was likely, capable of rattling dishes and feeling like a heavy truck has struck a building. The quake struck at 10:08 a.m. near Julian, an old mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains that is about 138 miles southeast of Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was felt well into Los Angeles County and south to the Mexican border. It was followed by several aftershocks in the surrounding area, which is sparsely populated.
Conclusion
The 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck San Diego County on Monday served as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity. Fortunately, there were no reports of major damage or injuries. The effectiveness of the ShakeAlert system in providing early warnings to residents underscores the importance of such technologies in earthquake preparedness. As the region continues to experience seismic activity, it is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for earthquakes.
FAQs
What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck San Diego County?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.2.
Where was the earthquake centered?
The earthquake was centered three miles south of Julian and 17 miles east of Ramona.
Were there any reports of damage or injuries?
There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.
How did the ShakeAlert system perform during the earthquake?
The ShakeAlert system provided early warnings to some residents on their cellphones, giving them seconds to prepare before the quake hit.
What areas felt the strongest shaking?
The strongest shaking was felt in sparsely populated areas near the epicenter, considered “strong” on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
