Seismologists reported that the quake originated at a shallow depth of about 8 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Shallow earthquakes, even if moderate in magnitude, often create stronger shaking at ground level than deeper events. That explains why residents across a wide swath of Southern California reported feeling the jolt.
Within moments of the quake, social media platforms lit up with posts from people describing what they felt. Some said it began as a sharp jolt, like a sudden push, followed by a rolling motion that caused light fixtures to sway and furniture to tremble. Others reported hearing creaks, rattling windows, or the unsettling sound of household items shifting.
In San Diego County, where the shaking was strongest, residents poured out of their homes in pajamas, checking on neighbors and making sure nothing had fallen or broken inside.
“I was just about to fall asleep when the whole house gave a violent shake,” said one resident from Escondido. “It only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to send my heart racing.”
Even in Los Angeles, more than 100 miles away, residents felt the tremors. One student near downtown LA said she initially thought a large truck had passed by her building—until her phone buzzed with a notification confirming an earthquake.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department quickly issued a statement reassuring the public that no major structural damage had been reported and that emergency teams were on standby. Hospitals, fire stations, and other critical facilities conducted rapid assessments, but by early morning, authorities confirmed that essential services were unaffected.
Technology in Action: ShakeAlert System
One of the most notable aspects of the event was the role played by ShakeAlert, California’s early earthquake warning system. Many residents reported receiving alerts on their smartphones five seconds before the ground began to move.
Five seconds may not sound like much, but seismologists emphasize that even a small window can make a meaningful difference. With just a few seconds’ notice, people can step away from windows, duck under sturdy furniture, or brace themselves against a wall. Public transit operators and utility companies can also use those seconds to trigger automatic safety measures, such as slowing trains or shutting off gas lines.
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