An unusually strong
magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck central Virginia
Tuesday afternoon, sending tremors along the East
Coast and prompting office buildings from
Washington D.C. to New York to be evacuated. There
were no immediate reports of injury or serious
structural damage.
The earthquake
struck near Mineral, Va., more than three
miles below sea level, the U.S. Geological
Survey said. Mineral is town 83 miles from
D.C. and has been known for its seismic
activity, but seldom produces a substantial
earthquake.
Most of
downtown D.C. was evacuated, including the
U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon and other
office buildings. Pictures on the wall in
the Capitol building reportedly fell and
panicked workers ran to the exits,
apparently fearing a 9/11-style attack.
Workers were told not to re-enter the
buildings.
Marine
helicopters were seen hovering above
the D.C, and there were reports that
the Washington Monument may be
tilting.
An
earthquake with a
preliminary
magnitude of 5.9
struck Tuesday
afternoon near
Washington, D.C.,
the U.S. Geological
Survey said