5.9-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes East Coast

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake hit Virginia on August 23 and the shockwaves travelled up and down the Eastern coast of the U.S., as residents braced for the potential damage.

The earthquake didn’t cause any significant damage, although it did put a crack in the Washington Monument, but citizens in the affected areas were shocked by the occurrence of such an event on the east coast, Politico reported.

Many Washington D.C. residents feared the worst, as the quake brought back painful memories of the 9/11 attacks, as the rumblings were initially unexplained due to the rarity of this event in the area, according to The Washington Post.

Although the quake did not cause devastation or take any lives, a 5.9-magnitude event is no laughing matter. The District closed its public schools for Wednesday and a number of Washington landmarks — including the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials — were closed for inspection, reported Politico.

If an earthquake occurs, individuals should immediately drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy table or desk, avoid being near glass or anything that can fall and stay away from all electric devices, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.