A small-magnitude earthquake rattled the Washington, D.C. suburb of Rockville, Maryland in the early hours of Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake, measuring 2.3 magnitude, occurred shortly before 1 a.m. at a depth of approximately 9.5 miles, about 2 miles west of Rockville.
While the earthquake was relatively minor, residents in the area reported feeling the ground shake. Audrey Jan, a Rockville resident, described the sensation as a little shake, not much, but enough to make her wonder if she had had a little too much to drink. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials received several calls to 911, with many reporting that they heard the earthquake rather than felt it.
Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, explained that some residents compared the sound to that of a truck driving down the street. Given the early hour of the earthquake, around 1 o’clock in the morning, it is not surprising that most people were asleep and only heard the rumble.
Interestingly, EMT Erich Mayne experienced the earthquake while in an ambulance. Mayne was discussing the earthquake in Japan with a friend when they suddenly felt the earth shake. The timing was indeed uncanny.
Thomas Pratt, a research geophysicist at the USGS, stated that it is unlikely that this earthquake will lead to anything larger. However, he did mention that there is always a possibility, as earthquakes like this can occur in clusters. Pratt explained that earthquakes with a magnitude of around 1.5 or higher have the potential to be felt by people.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake. However, nearly 2,000 people from six states and Washington, D.C. reported feeling the earthquake to the USGS. Reports came in from as far as Baltimore, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Audrey Jan, the Rockville resident who felt the ground move, shared her experience with WJZ. The earthquake served as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature, even in areas not typically associated with seismic activity.
Overall, while the earthquake in Rockville was relatively minor, it serves as a reminder that earthquakes can occur in unexpected places. It is important for residents to remain prepared and informed about earthquake safety, even in regions not traditionally prone to seismic events.