A 2.8 magnitude earthquake struck Henrico County in Virginia on Tuesday evening, felt by over 1,000 residents in Richmond and Hanover County. Governor Glenn Youngkin confirmed awareness of the event as local teams assess any impacts. Residents are advised to report damages through designated nonemergency lines.
On Tuesday evening at approximately 5:28 p.m., a minor earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale was recorded in Henrico County, Virginia, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This event, classified as a light earthquake, occurred roughly three thousand feet from Wyndham, Virginia. Reports indicate that over 1,000 individuals in Richmond and Hanover County felt the tremors.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin commented on 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.” In response, officials in Hanover County advised residents to report any damages through their nonemergency line starting Wednesday, while Henrico County residents were encouraged to call 804-501-5000 for damage reporting.
Earthquakes are natural seismic events that occur due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. A magnitude of 2.8 is considered light and typically does not result in serious damage. However, such events can still be felt over considerable distances, leading to public awareness and precautionary measures from local authorities. This incident in Central Virginia serves to illustrate the region’s potential vulnerability to seismic activity.
In conclusion, the 2.8 magnitude earthquake felt in Central Virginia prompted a swift response from local officials and the governor’s office. While the earthquake was classified as minor, it served as a reminder of seismic activity in the region. Authorities have mobilized to assess any potential damages and are encouraging residents to report their experiences as part of ongoing evaluations.
Original Source: www.nbcwashington.com