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Surprise 5.9M East Coast Quake Damages Washington Cathedral

by Mark Cofano / Hazard Reduction Systems

On 8/23/2011 at 1:51 PM EDT, a earthquake of magnitude 5.9 rocked the Nation's Capital. In an area where earthquakes are relatively unknown, the quake surprised residents, businesses and government.

Unlike the West Coast, where earthquakes are more frequent and of greater force, the 5.9 magnitude quake had a much larger geographical impact than normal. The old, hard rocks found around Washington D.C. transmitted the energy of the temblor all the way from the Epicenter in Louisa VA, north to the top of Eastern Canada and south to Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Damage to buildings and homes was relatively light:

• One of the spires on the Washington Cathedral was damaged. No injuries were reported from the falling debris.
• Cracks at the top of the revered National Monument caused the structure to be closed to the public until the extent of the damage can be assessed.
• Widely distributed reports of falling masonry, broken windows and other minor damage continue to come in.

Says Craig Carter, President of Hazard Reduction Systems, "We're relieved to hear that there was no loss of life or serious injury. The fact that the last major earthquake in this area was over 100 years ago underscores the fact that earthquakes can happen at anytime and in virtually any location. Preparedness is key."

If you or your business are concerned about your readiness for the next big California earthquake, we invite you to call us at (949) 848-1107 or complete the form to the right for more information.

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