Minor Earthquake Hits Central Virginia: Tremors Felt Across Region

A 2.8-magnitude earthquake struck Central Virginia on Tuesday evening, primarily felt north of Richmond, extending to Culpeper and Front Royal. The quake’s epicenter was near Wyndham in Henrico County, with no injuries reported. This incident highlights ongoing seismic activity in the area, particularly in light of a stronger quake that occurred in 2011.

On Tuesday evening at approximately 5:28 p.m., a minor earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale was recorded in Central Virginia, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor’s epicenter was situated about 1 kilometer north-northeast of Wyndham in Henrico County. Residents primarily north of Richmond felt the quake, with reports extending to areas such as Culpeper and Front Royal, although no injuries have been confirmed.

Central Virginia is located along the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, a fault line known for seismic activity. This same fault produced a notable earthquake in August 2011, which registered at 5.8 magnitude and affected millions across the eastern United States. Despite its strength, that quake resulted in no fatalities but caused significant property damage estimated between $200 to $300 million, highlighting the region’s seismic risks.

In summary, a 2.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in Central Virginia, with tremors felt widely across the region, particularly in northern areas. While no injuries have been reported, the seismic event serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes, similar to the stronger earthquake experienced in 2011.

Original Source: patch.com