5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Southern California, slightly felt in imperial Valley

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California on Monday morning, shaking buildings, dislodging rocks onto rural roadways, and prompting brief evacuations, though officials say no injuries or major damage have been reported.

The quake occurred at 10:08 a.m., with the epicenter located just a few miles from Julian, a mountain town in eastern San Diego County known for its apple pie shops. It was initially reported by the U.S. Geological Survey’s ShakeAlert system as a 6.7-magnitude quake before being quickly revised down to a 5.2. Several aftershocks followed the main event.

Shaking was reported across a wide area—from Los Angeles County to the north, to the Imperial Valley and parts of northern Mexico to the south. In the Imperial Valley, residents described the quake as brief and mild.

“I was just chilling in class when I heard the alert on my phone, and then a couple seconds later I felt it very briefly—nothing crazy,” said one student from Brawley Union High School.

Others said the shaking was hardly noticeable.

“Yeah, we felt it over here too in El Centro, but it wasn’t even that noticeable,” said one El Centro resident.

The El Centro Fire Department issued a public advisory confirming the quake had been felt in the region and encouraging residents to review their emergency preparedness plans. “A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Julian at 10:08 a.m., followed by a series of smaller quakes. Residents in El Centro are reminded to be mindful of their emergency kits and to secure heavy items in their homes,” the department said.

Some residents in northern Baja California, Mexico, also reported light shaking. No injuries or damage have been reported on either side of the border.

In mountainous areas near the epicenter, transportation officials warned motorists to use caution as rocks had fallen onto highways, including portions of State Route 76 northwest of Julian. Caltrans crews were dispatched to inspect road conditions.

Capt. Thomas Shoots of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said students in some San Diego County schools were briefly evacuated as a safety measure when the ground began to shake.

Seismologists with the USGS say aftershocks are likely to continue over the next few days and urge residents to remain prepared.