BREAKING: Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Shakes Southern California, Leaves Trail of Devastation — Tom Hanks’ Family Among the Injured
San Diego, CA – April 15, 2025 — A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Southern California near the San Diego region earlier today, causing widespread destruction, hundreds of injuries, and tragic impacts on several families — including the family of beloved actor Tom Hanks.
The earthquake hit just before 11:00 AM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 15 miles northeast of San Diego. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers and was felt across much of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, and even as far north as Santa Barbara.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the ground shook violently for nearly 20 seconds. Buildings swayed, windows shattered, and in some cases, entire structures crumbled to the ground. Emergency sirens rang out as first responders rushed to the hardest-hit areas.
Among the worst reports was the partial collapse of a residential neighborhood in La Mesa, a suburb of San Diego, where multiple homes were destroyed. One of those homes belonged to a member of Tom Hanks’ family. According to early reports, the house collapsed while family members were inside. Local authorities have confirmed that at least three members of Hanks’ extended family sustained injuries, though none are believed to be life-threatening at this time. The names of those injured have not been publicly released.
In a statement through his publicist, Hanks said, “Our hearts are heavy today. My family is shaken but safe, and we are grateful for the emergency crews who acted quickly. Our thoughts are with every family affected by this terrible quake.”
Local hospitals, including UC San Diego Medical Center and Scripps Mercy Hospital, have reported receiving more than 300 patients with earthquake-related injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious trauma. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in several areas where people may be trapped under debris.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department issued a public advisory urging residents to remain calm, check for gas leaks, and avoid using elevators. Several major roads, including parts of Interstate 8 and Highway 94, have been temporarily closed due to debris and structural concerns. Public schools and universities in the region have been closed for the day as inspections are carried out.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement shortly after the quake, saying, “We are working closely with local emergency services and FEMA to assess the damage and provide immediate relief. California has endured disasters before, and we will stand strong together again.”
The earthquake also triggered several smaller aftershocks, with at least four recorded above magnitude 3.0 within an hour of the main quake. Experts warn that more aftershocks are likely in the coming days and are urging residents to be prepared.
Social media quickly flooded with videos and photos of the earthquake’s aftermath — collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and frightened residents gathering in open spaces. Hashtags like #SanDiegoEarthquake and #PrayForCalifornia began trending on Twitter and Instagram within minutes.
While the magnitude may seem moderate by California standards, seismologists emphasized that the shallow depth and proximity to urban areas made this quake particularly damaging. Dr. Elena Ramos of Caltech’s Seismological Laboratory explained, “This was a wake-up call. Even a 5.2 quake, when located directly beneath a populated area, can cause significant harm. We urge everyone to have a disaster plan, especially in earthquake-prone regions like Southern California.”
As the region begins the long process of recovery, the community is banding together, with local shelters opening doors to displaced families and volunteers coordinating relief efforts.
For now, California once again faces the reality of living on a seismic fault line — and the reminder that in moments like these, every second counts.
