Shock Waves From Virginia Earthquake Felt Locally (Updated)
"We had no problems with anything, but my chair rolled across the floor," said a Roxborough Hospital employee.
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The US Geological Survey confirmed that today at 1:51 p.m. a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Mineral, Virginia--an area in Central Virginia known for mild seismic activity--and lasted for approximately 25 seconds. Shock waves were felt in Roxborough and Manayunk, as well as municipalities up and down the East Coast.
Despite the force of the quake, there were only minor disruptions locally. At Roxborough Memorial Hospital, staff continued providing patient care during and after the tremor.
"We sure felt it, but we had no problems with anything," said hospital operator Margie Troemel. "Except my chair rolled across the floor."
According to ReadyNotifyPA, there are no reports of damage in Philadelphia, but land lines are taxed and cell phone towers are on overload. Also, 911 is currently inundated with phone calls regarding the tremor and people are being asked to refrain from calling 9-1-1 unless there is a true emergency.
Additionally, according to Mayor Michael Nutter's afternoon press conference, there are no reports of any damage to city infrastructure--water, gas, roads, or bridges--but citizens who see damaged infrastructure are asked to call 3-1-1. Citizens who detect gas fumes are being asked to call 215-235-1212.
Nutter added that homeowners and business owners are expected to inspect their own property for any damage caused by the tremor and report any such damages to 3-1-1.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation bridge inspectors in each of the agency’s 11 districts are doing precautionary inspections of bridges around the state as well. One bridge in Reading was closed earlier Tuesday after inspectors noticed it was cracked.
SEPTA's director of public affairs told NBC10 that they are checking all trestles, bridges and tunnels and have yet to find any major damage. SEPTA has also placed a 25 mph restriction on all trains and has canceled some service. Trains that have resumed running are subject to delays of 30 to 45 minutes.
In good news for baseball fans, the Phillies game, slated for 7:05 p.m. tonight at Citizen's Bank Park, will play as scheduled.
Stay with Patch for updates or contact us at tsunnergren@gmail.com to contribute to the story.
Zach Subar and Amanda Mahnke contributed to this report
