East Coast Quake Causes Only Minor Damage
Residents of North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland were shaken Tuesday by a moderate earthquake.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 4.5, was centered about 28 miles west of Richmond. People reported feeling the quake in the three states and the District of Columbia.
Virginia’s Department of Emergency Management received some reports of minor damage, mainly from areas west of the epicenter, said Robert Spieldenner, director of public affairs. He said the damage mostly amounted to items falling off walls.
Geological Survey spokeswoman Carolyn Bell said there were no immediate reports of damage in other areas.
Irene Newton, who lives in Columbia, just outside Richmond, felt the quake at her home.
“I thought the chimney was falling off the house.... It was scary, I’m telling you,” she said.
The quake occurred at 3:59 p.m., and was shallow, about 3 miles below the Earth’s surface.
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