Minor Earthquake Hits Central Virginia; Residents Report Tremors

A 2.8-magnitude earthquake struck Central Virginia on Tuesday night at 5:28 p.m., with its epicenter near Wyndham in Henrico County. Tremors were felt as far as Culpeper and Front Royal, but no injuries have been reported. The quake occurred in the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, known for historical seismic activity.

On Tuesday night, Central Virginia experienced a low-magnitude earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale. As reported by the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred at approximately 5:28 p.m., with its epicenter located around 1 kilometer north-northeast of Wyndham in Henrico County. Shake maps indicated that the tremors were felt mostly north of Richmond and even reached areas as far away as Culpeper and Front Royal. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries due to this seismic event. Residents are encouraged to inform the USGS about their experiences to assist in tracking the quake’s effects.

The earthquake that struck Central Virginia is part of the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, an area known for seismic activity. This region was previously affected by a significant earthquake in August 2011, which registered at 5.8 magnitude and was felt widely across the eastern United States. Although that event resulted in considerable structural damage estimated at $200 to $300 million, it fortunately did not claim any lives. Understanding the geology of this region is crucial for assessing risks and emergency preparedness.

In summary, Central Virginia experienced a minor earthquake on Tuesday evening, with tremors felt across several localities. While the event raised concerns among residents, there were no reports of injuries, and citizens are urged to report their experiences. Awareness of this seismic zone allows for better preparation for future occurrences of natural events of this nature.

Original Source: patch.com