A minor earthquake shook parts of central Maryland on Monday evening. The seismic event was confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. It occurred shortly after 5 p.m. local time.
Residents across several communities reported feeling sudden shaking and hearing loud rumbles. The quake's epicenter was located near Columbia. No injuries or significant damage have been reported by authorities.
The tremor registered a magnitude of 2.5. According to the USGS, it originated at a shallow depth of 7.7 kilometers. The shaking was felt most strongly in the Riverside and Oakland Mills areas.
Social media quickly lit up with local reports. People described a single, sharp jolt. Many initially mistook the quake for a large truck passing by or construction work.
While rare, earthquakes do occur in this region. The East Coast geology can transmit seismic waves more effectively than the West Coast. This means even smaller tremors are often felt across a wider area.
The event serves as a reminder for residents to have emergency plans. Knowing how to drop, cover, and hold on is crucial. Preparedness is key for any natural disaster, however infrequent.