A 5.2‑magnitude earthquake struck near Julian, California on Monday morning, jolting Southern California and being felt as far away as Los Angeles (about 120 miles distant). The seismic event caused shelves to rattle, minor items to fall, and boulders to tumble onto rural roads in some areas.
Fortunately, no injuries or major structural damage have been reported, according to local authorities and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. The quake was relatively shallow—roughly 8 miles deep—and occurred along the Elsinore fault zone, part of California’s complex fault systems.
The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, including a 4.0‑magnitude one about an hour later, among others. Some residents reported receiving ShakeAlert early warnings seconds before the shaking began—enough to prompt “drop, cover, and hold” responses.
In one touching scene during the quake, elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park were filmed instinctively forming a protective circle around their young, a behavioral response that drew public attention.
While assessments continue, the situation is currently stable. Authorities are surveying roadways, inspecting infrastructure, and advising the public to stay alert for potential further tremors. As of now, the region is breathing a sigh of relief that the quake, though powerful, did not cause major harm.