Shortly after 10 a.m. today, phones across Southern California buzzed with an AMBER Alert — a government-issued emergency notification system primarily used to help locate abducted children, but also activated for critical public safety threats. In this instance, it warned residents to stay alert and safe following a significant earthquake that rocked the region. – Virág Vida, reporting from Los Angeles
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a preliminary 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck at 10:08 a.m., with its epicenter located approximately 2.49 miles south of Julian, in San Diego County. The quake originated about eight miles beneath the Earth’s surface and was widely felt across Southern California and even as far as Mexico.
Not long after the initial quake, a 3.0-magnitude aftershock was also recorded in the same region, adding to the jitters of residents already on edge.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones told CBS News that the quake is likely associated with the Elsinore Fault, a significant branch of the broader San Andreas Fault system. “This is a known active fault zone,” said Jones, emphasizing that while today’s quake was moderate, it’s a reminder of the seismic risks in the area.
However, while the USGS and federal sources reported a 5.2 magnitude, local San Diego-based platforms and seismic monitoring websites registered a significantly stronger 6.7 magnitude, sparking confusion and raising questions about the accuracy or delays in reporting.
As of now, there have been no major injuries or damage reported, but officials continue to monitor the situation and urge preparedness in case of stronger aftershocks.
– Virág Vida –
