Huntington Earthquake
December 16, 2024 at 7:04 p.m.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WMUL-FM) — A 3.3 magnitude earthquake shook the Huntington area Monday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake struck at 5 p.m. EST and was centered 3 kilometers north-northeast of Chesapeake, Ohio, near Township Road 1208.
The tremor was felt across Marshall University’s campus and in surrounding areas, including Barboursville, Milton and Lavalette. WMUL-FM staff reported feeling the quake but noted no damage or disruption to production.
“We thought someone had hit the house,” said Karen Mitchell, a Huntington resident visiting a friend in Kenova when the quake hit.
Many locals initially mistook the shaking for other disturbances, such as a crash or door slamming, until reports from the National Weather Service confirmed the event.
According to VolcanoDiscovery.com, weak to very weak shaking was reported in several nearby communities:
- Chesapeake, Ohio (2 miles from the epicenter, population 730)
- Huntington, W.Va. (3 miles away, population 48,600)
- South Point, Ohio (6 miles away, population 3,900)
- Ashland, Ky. (9 miles away, population 21,100)
Earthquakes are rare in West Virginia and typically cause little to no damage. The last earthquake recorded in the state occurred on July 21, 2024, in Falling Spring, with a magnitude of 2.3. In the past decade, only one earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 or higher has struck within 186 miles of the state, according to The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.
While the region is not earthquake-prone, safety experts recommend basic precautions. The U.S. Geological Survey advises residents to secure heavy items, prepare emergency kits with food, water and medications, and familiarize themselves with utility shutoffs. During an earthquake, officials recommend dropping, covering and holding on until shaking stops.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s website at usgs.gov.
No injuries or damage were reported from Monday’s earthquake.
By Makaylah Wheeler, WMUL-FM Station Manager
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