**Ten Years Later: The 2011 Mineral, Virginia Earthquake Remembered** On August 23, 2011, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Mineral, Virginia, sending shock waves throughout the eastern United States. The earthquake, the largest and most damaging in the central and eastern US in modern history, caused widespread shaking and damage. Millions of people from Florida to southern Canada felt the tremors, with reports of shaking as far west as Missouri and Texas. The quake struck at 1:51 p.m. Eastern Time, with an epicenter located at 37.936°N 77.933°W. It triggered numerous aftershocks, the largest of which was a magnitude 5.3 event just hours later. The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings, bridges, and roads in the Piedmont region of Virginia. It also caused power outages, water main breaks, and gas leaks. The total economic cost of the damage was estimated to be over $2 billion. Despite the widespread shaking and damage, there were no fatalities reported as a result of the earthquake. However, there were numerous injuries, with some people sustaining serious wounds from falling objects or debris. Emergency responders from across the region were quickly deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provided federal aid to the affected areas. Ten years later, the 2011 Mineral earthquake remains the largest and most damaging earthquake to hit the eastern United States in recent memory. It serves as a reminder of the seismic hazards that exist in our region and the importance of being prepared for future events.
Komentar