A powerful 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Julian in San Diego County on April 14, 2025, shaking homes and rattling nerves across Southern California. The quake was felt from San Diego to Los Angeles, with reports of light damage, aftershocks, and even an emotional moment at the San Diego Zoo, where elephants formed a protective circle around their calves. Learn more about the epicenter, safety alerts, and real-time updates from USGS and emergency services.
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📍 Epicenter & Seismic Details
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Epicenter: Approximately 2.5 miles south of Julian, CA
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Depth: About 8 miles (13 km)
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Fault Zone: Associated with the Elsinore Fault, a branch of the San Andreas system
📊 Impact & Response
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Shaking Reports: Residents experienced varying intensities, from strong in Julian to light along the coast.
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Damage: Minor incidents included rocks falling onto roads and items toppling off shelves.
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Injuries: No major injuries or structural damage reported.
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Aftershocks: At least seven aftershocks recorded, ranging from magnitude 2.5 to 3.0.
🐘 Notable Moments
At the San Diego Zoo, elephants instinctively formed a protective circle around their calves during the quake, a behavior known as an "alert circle." Elephants can detect seismic vibrations through their feet, allowing them to sense the tremor before it was felt by humans.
🚨 Emergency Alerts
The USGS ShakeAlert system sent notifications seconds before the shaking began, demonstrating the effectiveness of early warning systems in providing residents with crucial moments to take protective actions.
1. 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes San Diego County
This article details the earthquake's impact, noting that the tremor was felt across Southern California, including as far north as Long Beach. It highlights the effectiveness of the USGS ShakeAlert system, which sent notifications seconds before the shaking began. The piece also discusses the varying intensities experienced in different regions and the minor aftershocks that followed.
2. Southern California Rattled by Earthquake of Magnitude 5.2
The Guardian's report focuses on the widespread reach of the earthquake, felt from Julian to Los Angeles. It emphasizes the resilience of the region's infrastructure, which helped prevent significant damage or injuries. The article also discusses the activation of California’s “Shake Alert” early warning system and the subsequent aftershocks.
3. Earthquake Hits San Diego at 5.2 Magnitude and Shakes Southern California
This piece captures residents' reactions, describing how the quake caused noticeable movements like rattling windows and displacing household items. It includes accounts of frightened pets and minor property damage, providing a human perspective on the event.
4. Watch: Elephants Form Protective Ring Around Calves During Earthquake
This article highlights a remarkable moment at the San Diego Zoo, where a herd of elephants instinctively formed a protective circle around their calves during the earthquake. It showcases the animals' innate behavior in response to seismic activity.
5. 'It Shook Everything.' Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Hits San Diego County
The LA Times provides an in-depth analysis of the earthquake's epicenter near Julian and its implications. The article discusses the potential risks associated with the Elsinore fault and includes expert insights on the region's seismic activity.
