Strong quake hits US, no major damage
WASHINGTON. August 24. KAZINFORM A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck US east coast on Tuesday afternoon and was felt in Washington DC, New York City, North Carolina and even in Toronto, Canada; Kazinform refers to China Daily.
The quake that lasted up to 45 seconds occurred at 1:51 pm local time (1751 GMT), 135 km southwest of US capital Washington DC, at a depth of six km, the United States Geological Survey ( USGS) reported on its website.
The quake was also felt as far away as Martha's Vineyard, some 500 miles (800 kilometers) away, off the coast of Massachusetts, where President Barack Obama was playing golf during his vacation.
Earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 to 6 usually cause slight damage to buildings and other structures.
According to US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), two nuclear reactors were automatically taken off-line near quake site in Virginia. NRC officials are assessing the situation and sending people to inspect the site.
US weather service says no tsunami is expected after the quake while the USGS expects aftershocks.
The White House, Pentagon and US Capitol Building in Washington were temporarily evacuated after the quake while telecommunication in some areas was briefly disrupted.
The quake also sent people spilling into the street in Washington DC and many other districts, according to witnesses; Kazinform cites China Daily.
To learn more go to www.chinadaily.com.cn