Southern Californians felt a jolt Monday morning when a strong earthquake struck near San Diego around 10 a.m. The quake, measured at 5.2 in magnitude by the United States Geological Survey, had its epicenter in Julian, a small mountain town known for its apple pie. Located about 35 miles northeast of San Diego, Julian is home to just 2,000 residents.
Fortunately, experts stated that the chance of severe damage or injuries was low. The USGS noted that buildings in the area are generally designed to withstand earthquake shocks. However, they warned that earthquakes can sometimes cause landslides and ground liquefaction, which can pose additional risks.
Local authorities, including the San Diego County police and sheriff’s departments, reported no immediate signs of damage. A firefighter at the Julian fire station confirmed that they had received no calls for help. The quake caused some items to fall off shelves and rattle light fixtures, but businesses like the Julian Cafe & Bakery reported that everything was fine after a few cups toppled.
California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly reassured the public via social media, stating he was in touch with local responders to assess the situation. He also highlighted the state’s “Shake Alert” system, which aims to give residents a brief warning before shaking starts. This system, operated by the USGS, sends alerts to cell phones and provides critical seconds for people to take cover. For those in San Diego, approximately 40 miles from the epicenter, the alerts came about 14 seconds before the quake hit.
This earthquake followed a smaller one, with a magnitude of 3.5, that took place just hours earlier. Aftershocks also rattled the area soon after, including a 3.0 and a 2.5 quake reported in Julian shortly after the main event.
Interestingly, California has a rich history of earthquakes. In the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the city faced extensive damage due to poor building structures. Nowadays, advancements in construction and earthquake preparedness have made buildings and infrastructure much more resilient.
Social media reactions to the quake varied from concern to humor, with many users sharing their own experiences. A recent survey showed that while many Californians understand the risks, only about 30% have an emergency plan in place, highlighting the need for better preparedness.
As Californians recover from this quake, it serves as a reminder of both the strength of their infrastructure and the importance of being ready for the next shake.
For more detailed information, you can explore resources from the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
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