5.9 Va. Earthquake: Largest Since 1897
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake centered near Mineral, Va., has rocked the mid-Atlantic states and sent an aftershock that was felt as far north as Toronto and as far west as Detroit, Tuesday a little after lunchtime.
The USGS reported that the 5.9 quake was the largest to originate in Virginia since May 31, 1897. It also stated that the earthquake was centered at a depth of 4.6 miles.
The Pentagon was evacuated as the earthquake rocked the Washington, D.C. area. Several other public buildings including the capitol have also been evacuated.
The quake happened nine miles from Mineral, Va., which is about 100 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Doug Kammerer, meteorologist with the NBC affiliate in Washington, said the tremor was a "very big earthquake for our area.”
The earthquake struck at about 1:15 p.m. and lasted around 30 to 45 seconds. There are no reported injuries or widespread damage.
Reports of some damage, however, are coming in. The Washington National Cathedral's central tower suffered minor damage.
Fox News reported that JFK airport in NY has also been shut down due to the earthquake.
