A small earthquake of magnitude 2.8 occurred northwest of Richmond, Virginia, on Tuesday evening, causing no injuries or significant damage. It was felt across central Virginia and prompted a response from Governor Glenn Youngkin. The tremor is part of the region’s seismic activity, which has recorded small earthquakes for over 250 years.
On Tuesday evening, a minor earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale occurred in central Virginia, northwest of Richmond. The tremor caused no significant damage or injuries but was felt by residents as far away as Northern Virginia. In response, Governor Glenn Youngkin tweeted about the situation, stating, “We’re aware of a 2.8 magnitude earthquake that was felt in Central Virginia. Our teams are contacting local government officials now, and are working to assess the impact.” Residents in areas close to Wyndham reported sensations ranging from vibrations to comparisons of the quake to the rumbling of a large truck. The earthquake had a shallow depth of approximately 300 feet, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Overall, the event is consistent with historical seismic activity in the region, where minor tremors have been recorded for over two centuries.
Virginia has a known seismic profile, consisting of three distinct seismic zones, with the central region being particularly active. Over the years, it has experienced seismic events, including a notable 5.8 magnitude earthquake in 2011, which caused significant damage in the surrounding area. Tuesday’s earthquake is among the smaller range of seismic activity that occurs periodically, typically causing minimal impact. The USGS notes that smaller earthquakes are felt in central Virginia about every year or two, with the 2.8 quake being consistent with this historical data.
The recent 2.8 magnitude earthquake in central Virginia serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, albeit minor in nature. Governor Youngkin’s timely response illustrates the government’s readiness to assess and manage the situation, even when damage is minimal. As residents share varied experiences of the quake, it highlights both the unpredictability and commonality of seismic events in Virginia’s central seismic zone.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
