At 10 p.m. on Monday, San Diego was rattled by a powerful 5.2 magnitude earthquake. According to the US Geological Survey, the tremor’s strength was similar to a recent quake in Myanmar that caused widespread destruction.

The epicenter was just a few miles (around 4 kilometers) from Julian, a small mountain town home to roughly 1,500 residents. Despite its remote location, the quake’s impact was felt over 120 miles away, all the way to Los Angeles.

Fortunately, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reported no immediate injuries or significant damage.

Residents were given a brief warning, just seconds before the ground began to shake.

“I can’t recall ever getting a text alert before an earthquake. Came in 5 seconds before apartment started swaying,” shared Marty Caswell from San Diego on X.

Another user mentioned receiving an alert that read, “Earthquake detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself.”

I can’t recall ever getting a text alert before an earthquake, came in 5 seconds before apartment started swaying pic.twitter.com/MD61WmandG

— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) April 14, 2025

Reactions quickly poured in across social media. “That was the biggest earthquake I’ve felt since moving to San Diego,” one person wrote.

Another added, “Haven’t ever experienced an earthquake. but i lived around sinkholes and i just grabbed my son and ran for the door in my boxers. Heart in my a**.”

NBC released several video clips showing the terrifying moments. One showed a mother rushing to protect her baby, while another captured a cat frozen in fear as the house trembled around it.

Aftershocks followed soon after, including one that registered a magnitude of 3.9. In response, the California Department of Transportation shared photos of large boulders that had tumbled onto State Route 76 near E Grade Road and warned travelers of potential hazards.

Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. “The state is coordinating with local authorities to assess any damage and if emergency response is needed,” officials stated.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also shared an update on X:
“San Diego experienced a strong earthquake centered near Julian. There’s no known visible or major damage to the city so far and I’m in communication with local, state, and federal officials.”

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