A 2.0 magnitude earthquake occurred near Marshville, NC, 35 miles from Charlotte, recorded by the USGS. No damage reported, and it’s the first quake in 25 years. Experts recommend immediate safety measures including drop, cover, and hold on during an earthquake, as aftershocks may follow.
A rare earthquake measuring 2.0 in magnitude occurred near Marshville, North Carolina, approximately 35 miles east of uptown Charlotte. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was recorded shortly after 2 a.m. on March 14 and was centered about 3.1 miles south-southwest of Marshville, at a depth of over one mile. As of 9 a.m. that day, no residents reported feeling the tremor.
Marshville, located along U.S. 74 and home to about 2,600 residents, is known as the birthplace of country music star Randy Travis. The USGS indicates that this is the first earthquake reported in the area in at least 25 years. Earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or lower are usually not felt by people, while those above 2.5 are noticeable and can cause minor damage.
For magnitude events above 5.5, significant structural damage generally begins to occur. Earthquakes are capable of triggering numerous natural disasters including fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches, predominantly in regions like Alaska, California, and Oregon.
In the event of an earthquake, experts recommend immediate protective measures. If driving, one should pull over, stop, and engage the parking brake. In bed, it is safest to lie face-down with a pillow over the head. Outdoors, individuals should remain clear of buildings, while those inside should stay in place and avoid running outdoors.
The recommended protective strategy is to “drop, cover, and hold on.” Individuals are advised to drop to their hands and knees, hold onto something sturdy, cover their head and neck, and if possible, crawl under a robust table. In the absence of shelter, they should move to an interior wall away from windows. After securing shelter, one should maintain a grip with one hand and remain prepared to move with it in case of aftershocks, which can pose serious risks like gas leaks or fallen power lines.
The recent earthquake near Marshville, NC, was notably mild with a magnitude of 2.0, causing no damage or reported sensations among the residents. Given the rarity of seismic activity in the area, experts advise preparedness and immediate protective actions during such events. Understanding earthquake safety protocols can significantly enhance personal safety during unforeseen seismic occurrences.
Original Source: www.charlotteobserver.com
