San Diego was struck by a massive earthquake on Monday at 10 pm. The US Geological Survey reported that the magnitude was 5.2, approximately the same magnitude that hit Myanmar and left devastation behind.
The quake was centered just a couple of miles (4 kilometers) from Julian, a mountain town of about 1,500 people, but was felt all the way to Los Angeles, 120 miles away.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, they haven’t received immediate reports of damage and injuries.
The residents, however, were alerted of it around 5 seconds before it struck.
“I can’t recall ever getting a text alert before an earthquake. Came in 5 seconds before apartment started swaying,” Marty Caswell from San Diego posted on X.
“Earthquake detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself,” another social media user reported to have received a warning message seconds prior to the violent ground shake.
“That was the biggest earthquake I’ve felt since moving to San Diego,” someone posted.
“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**,” another added.
NBC shared a series of footages of the moment the earthquake hit. One of them showed a mother grabbing her baby and fleeing to safety. Another showed a scared cat watching its home shake.
Residents reported several aftershocks after the earthquake, including one with a magnitude of 3.9.
The California Department of Transportation issued a warning of potential hazards along with images of huge rocks that fell on State Route 76 just east of E Grade Road.
Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed of the earthquake. “The state is coordinating with local authorities to assess any damage and if emergency response is needed.”
Todd Gloria, the mayor of San Diego, posted 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,” he wrote.
