According to the United States Geological Survey, an earthquake occurred near West Canton, North Carolina, in the early morning hours of June 4. This was the sixth earthquake to strike the region since May 23, and it was reported on June 4.
According to the statistics, the most recent earthquake had a magnitude of 3.2, making it the strongest of the five.
It was reported at 6:09 in the morning, and its epicenter was around 137 miles northwest of Charlotte. It was located slightly under 2 miles north of West Canton. According to the authorities, the epicenter of the earthquake was around 2.8 kilometers below the surface.
According to the USGS, as of seven in the morning on Sunday, more than two hundred people had registered reports of experiencing the shaking. The majority of the complaints originated in the municipalities of Clyde, Canton, and Waynesville.
According to the data, someone in Rock Hill, South Carolina reported feeling weak and shaking. This report came from 141 miles to the southeast.
In the span of three days, between May 23 and May 26, West Canton registered a total of four earthquakes, some of which were just minutes apart from one another. According to McClatchy News, the magnitude was somewhere in the region of 1.8 to 2.8.
Experts have determined that in order to perceive an earthquake, the magnitude must be at least 2.5. According to the USGS, this is also the point at which some very small damage may occur.
According to the authorities, there have been no reports of damage caused by the 3.2 magnitude earthquake.
What may be the reason behind it?
Geologists claim that while the Appalachian Mountains are not on an active tectonic plate border, which is a place where earthquakes are widespread, the area does experience rare mild earthquakes that are connected to historical fault lines.
According to research conducted by the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Appalachian State University, it is also feasible for earthquakes to cause further earthquakes in the area.
The agency noted in a study on earthquakes in North Carolina’s high country, “In areas with lots of old faults, like the Appalachians, we tend to get earthquakes along pre-existing fault zones that have weakened rock at depth,”
“Even though the southern Appalachians are not currently at an active plate boundary, our tectonic history means that built-up stresses from time to time are able to be released along old faults from the building of the Appalachians, which took place tens of hundreds of millions of years ago,”
WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN EARTHQUAKE
The quick and fast shaking that is caused by earthquakes may result in fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches. The Department of Homeland Security reports that although they may take place in any location, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington are the states where they occur the most often.
In the event that an earthquake occurs, it is important to take precautions as soon as possible.
Listed below are some recommendations from knowledgeable people:
- If you are driving, you need to pull over and come to a complete stop. Set your parking brake.
- If you are already in bed, you should turn over onto your stomach and place a pillow over your head.
- If you are outside, you should avoid going near any structures. Don’t go inside.
If you are currently inside, you should remain there and not rush outside. Stay away from doors.
The best approach to protecting oneself during an earthquake, according to experts, is to dive to the ground, cover yourself, and hang on. “Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” the authorities advise people to do.
“If you are using a wheelchair or walker that has a seat, make sure that your wheels are locked, and stay seated until the shaking stops,” the instructions read.
Crawl as low as you can and cover your head and neck with your arms. If you can, try to find a substantial table to hide beneath. If there is nowhere to take cover, you should crawl to an inner wall that is away from any windows.
Once you are able to get beneath a table, the authorities recommend that you keep one hand on it and be prepared to move with it.
“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” authorities added. “There can be serious hazards after an earthquake.” Aftershocks are tremors that occur in the aftermath of a primary earthquake shock. In the event that you experience an aftershock, be prepared to Drop, Cover, and Hold On.