A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck just outside San Diego, California, on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), rattling the region just weeks after a series of devastating wildfires swept through parts of Southern California.
The tremor reportedly occurred at approximately 10:18 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 25 miles east of downtown San Diego, near the town of Alpine. The quake originated at a depth of around 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) beneath the earth’s surface.
According to USA Today, though the earthquake was strong enough to be felt across San Diego County and surrounding areas, there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries. Light to moderate shaking was reported in parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties.
Local authorities swiftly initiated damage assessments, while emergency services remained on alert. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said it had received several calls from residents, though no significant incidents were reported.
The earthquake comes at a time when many communities in California are still recovering from widespread wildfires that scorched thousands of acres, destroyed homes, and displaced families earlier this year. The back-to-back natural disasters have raised concerns about the region’s preparedness and the resilience of its emergency infrastructure.
“This earthquake, coming so soon after the wildfires, adds another layer of stress for already vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Elena Morante, a disaster resilience expert at UC San Diego.
The USGS classified Monday’s tremor as a “moderate” seismic event but cautioned that aftershocks are possible in the days ahead. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared.
While earthquakes are not unusual in California due to its position along the San Andreas Fault and related fault lines, today’s event serves as a fresh reminder of the state’s ongoing exposure to multiple natural hazards.
Authorities and scientists continue to monitor seismic activity and are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available.
…With News Wires
