Tennessee, USA — A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck parts of the southern U.S. on Saturday morning, jolting residents in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The Epicenter and Impact
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake hit approximately 13 miles from Greenback, Tennessee, around 9 a.m. local time. Greenback is located about 30 miles south of Knoxville. The tremors were also felt in Atlanta, Georgia, and parts of western North Carolina, with residents sharing their experiences on social media.
The USGS initially reported the earthquake as a 3.5 magnitude but later upgraded it to 4.1.
No Major Damage or Injuries
So far, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries from the earthquake. In the first hour after the quake, the USGS received over 23,000 reports from the public.
Local Reactions to the Earthquake
Jason Pack, a retired FBI agent living outside Knoxville, was still in bed when he felt the walls shaking and heard a loud rumbling noise that woke up his family and caused their dog to start barking.
“In east Tennessee, you’re used to tornadoes and floods, that kind of thing,” Pack said. “It’s unusual to have an earthquake.” Although he’s felt tremors before, he described this as likely the strongest one he’s experienced in Tennessee.
Pack also took the opportunity to remind others that even small earthquakes can be a good reminder of safety. “If it had been a big quake, would you know what to do? Drop, cover, and hold on if you’re inside. Stay clear of buildings if you’re outside,” he advised.
In Braselton, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta, Gabriela Reilly and her husband were making waffles when they felt their home shake. “Our ceiling fan started shaking for about 10 seconds,” Reilly said. “I thought a giant aircraft had flown low right over the neighborhood, but my husband said, ‘No, that was definitely an earthquake!'”
Aftershocks and Future Risks
The USGS has stated there is a 5% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude of 4.0 or higher within the next week.
Earthquake Activity in the Region
While earthquakes are not as common in the eastern U.S. as in the west, the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone is one of the most active seismic areas in the Southeast. This zone spans parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
In December 2018, two earthquakes occurred in the region: a 4.4 magnitude earthquake centered in Decatur, Tennessee, south of Knoxville, and another smaller 3.0 magnitude earthquake near Mascot, Tennessee, close to Knoxville.
Why Earthquakes Are Felt Over Larger Areas in the East
Ayesha Davis, a spokeswoman for the USGS, explained that earthquakes in the Eastern U.S. are felt over larger distances compared to those on the West Coast. This is because of the region’s geology, which allows seismic waves to travel more efficiently.
“Earthquakes in the East are felt over a much larger distance and by more people,” Davis said.