Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Jolts Southern California

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck San Diego County, California, on  April 14, 2025, rattling residents across southern California. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was located about 5 kilometers south of Julian, a small town in San Diego County, with a shallow depth of 14.3 kilometers.

The quake was felt strongly across a wide area, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Riverside County. Many residents took to social media to share their experiences, with some reporting that items fell off shelves and walls, and furniture shook violently. In a video widely shared online, lights could be seen swinging and electronics on tables tumbled to the ground during the tremors. A mother was caught on camera instinctively scooping up her baby and rushing out of the house in the chaos.

Shortly after the initial 5.2 - magnitude quake, Julian area experienced multiple aftershocks within an hour, including magnitudes of 2.8, 3.0, and 4.0. Meanwhile, the Borrego Springs area in San Diego County also witnessed a 3.5 - magnitude earthquake at 10:12 am local time on the same day.

The San Diego County Police Department has not received any reports of injuries or major damages. However, the earthquake has still caused significant concern among local residents. Schools in some areas quickly organized student evacuations as a precautionary measure.

The California governor Gavin Newsom has been actively monitoring the situation. An emergency meeting was called to assess potential losses, and local governments were promptly coordinated to take emergency response measures. Seismologist Lucy Jones pointed out that this was not an isolated event. The region had a 3.3 - magnitude foreshock on Sunday a few days ago, and the main shock was followed by several aftershocks between magnitudes 2 and 3, indicating an active geological activity.

Scientists have long warned that California, especially southern California, is prone to seismic activities. There is a 99% probability of an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or higher occurring in the next 30 years. Each earthquake, no matter how small, could potentially be a precursor to a larger one, and statistics show that there is a 5% chance of a major earthquake following a minor one.

In such disaster - prone areas, our company's radios have demonstrated their crucial value. Before the earthquake, our radios, equipped with advanced early - warning systems, were able to receive and broadcast earthquake - related warnings in a timely manner. Once the warning signals were detected, the radios automatically turned on and alerted residents, allowing them to take necessary precautions in advance.

After the earthquake, when communication networks were disrupted in some affected areas, our radios became a vital means of communication. Residents could use them to listen to emergency broadcasts from local authorities, such as information about rescue efforts, evacuation routes, and supply distributions. They also enabled people to stay informed about the latest aftershock forecasts, helping them better protect themselves and their families.

At the San Diego Zoo, five elephants initially fled in panic but then three adult elephants quickly formed a so - called "protective circle" around a female calf. According to the zoo, this is an instinctive behavior to safeguard the young and the entire herd from potential threats.

Local authorities and relevant departments are closely monitoring the area for further aftershocks and have urged residents to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines. With the threat of future earthquakes looming, it is a reminder for all in the region to be well - prepared for such natural disasters, and our radios will continue to perform their indispensable function in emergency situations.