Three earthquakes struck Southern California, jolting residents and prompting swift responses from state authorities, utilities, and first responders.
A cluster of earthquakes struck near Julian, California, on Monday, April 14. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first and strongest quake, a magnitude 5.2 event, occurred at 10:08 a.m. local time (17:08 UTC), centered 5 kilometers south of Julian at a depth of 14.3 kilometers.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California on Monday, rattling items off shelves and walls. Officials reported no injuries or major damage. The earthquake was centered in San Diego County. pic.twitter.com/9CXqpWxOIw
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 14, 2025
Roughly an hour later, at 11:23 a.m. (18:23 UTC), a second quake measuring magnitude 4.0 struck 4 kilometers south-southeast of Julian, with a depth of 12.6 kilometers.
Caught the earthquake on my ring pic.twitter.com/7JnfykLcs3
— ⚾️ ⚾️ Nick ⚾️⚾️ (@mintbury) April 14, 2025
A third quake, measuring magnitude 2.9, followed at 1:23 p.m. (20:23 UTC), located 4 kilometers south of Julian at a depth of 12.7 kilometers.
Stronger together 🐘
Elephants have the unique ability to feel sounds through their feet and formed an “alert circle” during the 5.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Southern California this morning. This behavior is a natural response to perceived threats to protect the herd. pic.twitter.com/LqavOKHt6k
— San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (@sandiegozoo) April 14, 2025
These events occurred less than 24 hours after a magnitude 3.5 earthquake hit the same area, according to CBS 8 San Diego. Residents described how the quakes affected their surroundings and how they responded.
One unnamed resident recalled the experience, “The whole building started shaking. The parking lot literally felt like a wave under my feet. It was crazy.”
Another resident, Ashley Carter, was working from home when the tremor hit. “It just started going and it was getting worse, and then I got up and ran after the dog and we headed outside,” she shared.
At a local liquor store, manager Dylan Carnero recalled his first instinct once the shaking began. “Once I stopped hearing the bottles popping and everything. My first thought was just to get outside and onto the street and away from the buildings,” he said.
In response to the earthquakes, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office shared on X that he had been informed about the situation in San Diego County. The state is working with local officials to check for any damage and decide if help is needed.
NEW: @CAGovernor Newsom has been briefed on the earthquake in San Diego County.
The state is coordinating with local authorities to assess any damage and if emergency response is needed.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) April 14, 2025
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) responded quickly by activating its Emergency Operations Center to check for damage. In a post on X, the company said crews began inspecting equipment near the epicenter and worked outward, moving as quickly as safety allowed.
The utility company also reminded residents to report gas leaks or downed power lines by calling 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) or 911, and warned the public to stay away from damaged electrical equipment.
Update from SDG&E: pic.twitter.com/DSrT2XP71H
— SDG&E (@SDGE) April 14, 2025
Despite the strength of the initial quake, there were no damage or injuries in the city of San Diego, according to a spokesperson for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Source: news.amomama.com