5.8 Quake Centered NW of Richmond
A earthquake mesauring 5.8 on the Richter scale rocked the City of Falls Church, the entire Washington, D.C. area and beyond Tuesday afternoon.
5.9 Quake Centered NW of Richmond
A earthquake mesauring 5.9 on the Richter scale rocked the City of Falls Church, the entire Washington, D.C. area and beyond Tuesday afternoon.
The News-Press received reports that the quake, centered in Mineral, Va., northwest of Richmond, was felt in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, northern Pennsylvania and beyond.
The office building of the News-Press, located at 200 Little Falls St. in the City of F.C., started to shake and sway at around 1:50 p.m. this afternoon. Upon evacuating the building, large cracks in the stairwell of the building could be seen in between the third and fourth floors.
All Falls Church City Public Schools were evacuated and George Mason High School is closed until further notice has been reopened.
There have been no reports of injuries.
The USGS has confirmed multiple aftershocks including a 4.2 magnitude aftershock at 8:04 p.m. Tuesday and a 3.4 at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday.
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake and multiple aftershocks, the City of Falls Church Fire Marshal and the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office issued a statement encouraging City residents to be vigilant concerning possible fire safety concerns around homes and businesses.
Chimneys, gas or fuel oil lines and tanks, heating equipment, and overall structural integrity may have been compromised and may not show visible damage. Individuals are advised to contact licensed inspectors if they have concerns regarding these or any other potential post earthquake issues.
Tuesday’s earthquake was the biggest in Virginia’s recorded history.
