LeftColumnBK

UPDATE: Earthquake Hits Triangle

By WY Daily Staff Tuesday, August 23, 2011

An earthquake estimated at a magnitude of 5.9 was felt in the Triangle today, with tremors felt from New York to North Carolina. The epicenter was reported to be in Mineral, Louisa County.

6:54 p.m.: According to a Williamsburg spokesperson, there have been no reports of damage or earthquake-related incidents so far and the Emergency Operations Center hotline has been deactivated.

5:22 p.m.: Operations are normal at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. Spokeswoman Jessica Wharton said no flights were affected by the earthquake.

4:02 p.m.: Dominion Power spokeswoman Melanie Beale reported that the Surry Power station did experience tremors from the earthquake, but that it continues to operate safely.

The reactors at the North Anna Power Station near the epicenter of the earthquake were shut down automatically when the earthquake occurred, but there is no release of radiation, Beale said. The plant is currently under Alert, which is the next to lowest emergency classification.

Busch Gardens and Water Country USA shut down all the majors rides to inspect them after the earthquake, according to Senior Communications Manager Kevin Crossett. There was no damage to any of the rides and they are all now running.

3:25 p.m.: The U.S. Geological Survey says this about historical earthquake events in Virginia: "Since at least 1774, people in central Virginia have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones. The largest damaging earthquake (magnitude 4.8) in the seismic zone occurred in 1875. Smaller earthquakes that cause little or no damage are felt each year or two."

This means today's quake is the largest in the state since at least 1875.

Regarding the North Anna Power Station, which is close to the epicenter of the quake, Dominion Power just tweeted: "Both reactors at North Anna Power Station were shut down safely with no reports of damage."

Governor Bob McDonnell released the following statement this afternoon:

“We are currently working with federal, state and local agencies to assess the situation and determine if there has been any damage resulting from today’s 5.9 magnitude earthquake which was centered near Mineral in Louisa County.

"As part of this effort we are in touch with officials around the state. All indications are that emergency response plans and orderly evacuations have gone well today, and I thank all involved. In the wake of the earthquake, I would like to encourage all Virginians to check on neighbors and loved ones to ensure that everyone is safe and to continue cooperating with law enforcement and emergency responders working in your neighborhood. All resources of the Commonwealth have been put on alert to assist in any way necessary as we move forward.”

2:47 p.m.: York County reports no damage so far. Williamsburg also reports no damage at this point. To report damage, Williamsburg and James City County residents can call 222-6220.

For some customers, cell service seems to be reestablished.

2:37 p.m.: James City County reports that polling places are still open; the registrar reports no injury or damage.

Post your Triangle earthquake experiences below and let readers know how things looked in your area.

2:00 p.m.: Cell phone service seems to have been affected for the moment. Stay tuned to WYDaily and 92.3 Tide FM for details, we are gathering information. The James City County emergency alert system indicates there is no reported damage yet in the county.

View the U.S. Geological Survey initial information on the earthquake here.

Here's what to do in the event of an aftershock, according to the U.S. Geological Survey:

  1. WEAR STURDY SHOES to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocks

  2. CHECK FOR INJURIES (if a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if available; If a person is not breathing administer CPR; DO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury; COVER injured persons with blankets to keep warm; SEEK medical help for serious injuries

  3. CHECK FOR HAZARDS (Fire hazards--put out fires in your home or neighborhood immediately, call for help; Gas leaks--shut off main gas valve ONLY if you suspect a leak because of broken pipes or odor; Damaged electrical wiring--Shut off power at the control box if there is any danger to house wiring; Downed or damaged utility lines--do not touch downed power lines or any objects in contact with them; 
    SPILLS--clean up any spilled medicines, drugs, or other harmful materials such as bleach, lye, gas; 
    DOWNED OR DAMAGED CHIMNEYS--Approach with caution--don't use damaged chimney (it could start fire or let poisonous gases into your house; 
    FALLEN ITEMS--beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open doors of closets and cupboards; 
    CHECK FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES--Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass; If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly or frozen foods (food in the freezer should be good for at least a couple of days; Don't light your kitchen stove if you suspect a gas leak; 
    USE BBQ or camp stoves, outdoors only for emergency cooking; If your water is off you can drink supplies from water heaters, melted ice cubes or canned vegetables (AVOID drinking water from swimming pools or especially spas--it may have too many chemicals in it to be safe.)

earthquake

Comments  

 
+1 #6 Guest 2011-08-23 21:10
Earthquakes are no fun - but being prepared for one is the key to getting through it. Glad that Virginia was not hard hit - many of my friends live in this area. Your Governor is fantastic.
Quote
 
 
+2 #5 Guest 2011-08-23 19:14
Thought it was just me, just having a moment, for just a moment. Glad it was an earthquake instead.
Quote
 
 
+2 #4 Guest 2011-08-23 17:00
was in Hampton....felt the ground move...then watched the 25' wall, 10'high move like a wave in the ocean....no damage though, but as it was my first quake, it was remarkable.
Quote
 
 
+3 #3 Guest 2011-08-23 15:00
Standing in the kitchen and felt the tremors grow. Saw the lights swaying and the chimes on the grandfather clock hitting each other. The shaking lasted around 25 to 30 seconds. Lived in CA for many years and I new exactly what it was when I felt it. No matter, it is a very unsettling experience.
Quote
 
 
+3 #2 Guest 2011-08-23 13:57
Kingsmill - Sounded like someone was running across the roof - lots of creaking. Stood on second floor, swaying gently for 4 - 5 seconds. Downstairs, my husband felt his chair shake, and watched the blinds sway. First experience feeling an earthquake. Imagine the folks who've lost everything in one.
Quote
 
 
+3 #1 Guest 2011-08-23 13:24
Earthquake felt in Queens Lake, Williamsburg, VA, at 1:52pm....durat ion about 5-10 seconds...every one in the house felt it...swaying back and forth...you could hear a rumbling and a rattling of timbers. internet service to the USGS Did You Feel It? hotline is currently interrupted...w e have local phone service/interne t. you can email your reports to ...I'd be interested in your experiences regarding this event.
Quote
 

Add comment

WYDaily invites you to join the community conversation. We expect civil discourse here. Personal attacks on others, indecent language and bad manners in general are unwelcome.

Security code
Refresh

Talk of the Town

Talk of the Town