Sacramento Shudders After 5.2 EarthquakeSacramento Shudders After 5.2 Earthquake A strong earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck the Sacramento area on Monday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the city and causing widespread damage. The epicenter of the quake was located just east of Galt, a city about 25 miles southeast of Sacramento. The temblor hit at 2:34 p.m. PST, causing buildings to shake violently and windows to shatter. “It felt like a freight train hit our house,” said Mary Johnson, a resident of Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento. “Everything was flying around the room.” Numerous buildings in downtown Sacramento were damaged, including the historic State Capitol and the Wells Fargo Center. Bricks crumbled from the exterior of the Capitol, while windows cracked at the Wells Fargo Center. The quake also caused significant damage to infrastructure. Roads cracked, water mains burst, and power outages affected thousands of homes and businesses. “We have received reports of damage throughout the city,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “Our first priority is to ensure the safety of our residents.” Emergency responders were quickly deployed to assess the damage and aid those affected by the quake. Firefighters extinguished several small fires, while paramedics treated minor injuries. “We are grateful that there have been no reports of serious injuries or fatalities at this time,” said Sacramento Fire Chief Anthony Bowden. However, the quake has caused widespread anxiety among residents. Many people are staying outside their homes, fearing aftershocks or further damage. “I’m still shaken up,” said Lisa Martinez, a resident of West Sacramento. “I don’t know when I’ll feel comfortable going back inside.” Geologists are monitoring the situation closely and expect there to be aftershocks in the coming days. They advise residents to be prepared and to take necessary safety precautions. “It is important to remain calm and follow the instructions of authorities,” said Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist with the California Geological Survey. “We expect there will be aftershocks, so be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on.”