(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
I was sitting at my desk at work at about 1:51 pm EDT when the floor and the everything else began to shake. I stood in the nearest doorway, wondering what good that would do me if the three floors above me collapsed. We occasionally feel a rumble in the Frances Perkins Building (HQ of the U.S. Department of Labor) when a large truck passes through the I-95 tunnel beneath the building, but this was a much more violent shaking.
Had the quake lasted any longer, I'd have raced for the exit. Someone quickly learned by phone that it was also felt in Virginia, which confirmed that it was indeed an earthquake and not some localized event. I decided to head home to check for damage in my 1950s-era apartment building; happily, there is no visible damage, and no books or bottles fell from my shelves. Nor did I see smoke rising anywhere on my walk home. (I avoided the subway, since I figured they'll want to check the tracks etc.)
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that it was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter near Mineral, Virginia, 84 miles from Washington. Due to the east coast's differences from the west coast, this quake was felt along the entire east coast and as far as Detroit and Toronto. So far, and cross your fingers, no major damage has been reported.
One thing I feel sure of: it was not God's punishment for Washington's wicked ways. For one thing, we can assume that She has better aim. For another, if God were inclined to punish our wickedness with natural disasters, we'd have been turned to cinders long ago.
Well, it's a lovely day in Washington, since Hurricane Irene won't arrive until the weekend. One of the sidewalk cafes on 17th Street would be a fine place to park myself as I await the aftershocks. I hope all our readers emerged unscathed.
Update: D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier just sent the following message to the Special Liaison Unit listserv:
As Chief of Police, I'd like to provide a quick update in the aftermath of this afternoon's confirmed earthquake.
1) DC Police officers are maintaining a heavy police presence in the community. Our helicopter has been flying over for visual assessments with no major damage noted.
2) Please remain calm and report any smell of gas or persons in distress to 9-1-1. Cell phone service is sketchy, but it appears cell phone towers are gradually restoring service.
More updates to come.
Update 2: Here's an early photo of the devastation (hat tip to Craig Howell). Let's hope that's the worst of it.
Update 3: TracyDC comments on a WaPo blog:
My two favorite comments on Twitter come from 1.) DC: "Was all set to loot in Dupont circle, then realized all we have are taco and cupcake stores" and 2.) Toronto: "Looting in the streets of Toronto. Well... we're still lining up and paying for things. But we're not saying 'thank you'."
Update 4: Chief Lanier has posted the following update:
Dear Community Members,
I would like to thank everyone for remaining calm during this time. I am currently riding with officers to assess, for myself, the traffic and other public safety measures in the District. We are also working with emergency personnel from neighboring jurisdictions.
We have held over our earlier day-work shift of police officers to assist with traffic congestion and will continue to respond to emergency calls. Please reserve 9-1-1 for emergencies where firefighters, ambulances or police officers are needed.
You can also help us by checking on neighbors, particularly the elderly.
Thank you for your attention to this message.
Register for DC's Emergency Alerts: https://textalert.ema.dc.gov/register.php
Cathy L. Lanier
Chief of Police
Update 5: This came in at 10:26 pm Tuesday night from Chief Lanier:
As I receive information from other agencies regarding the structural safety of homes and buildings, I'd like to share the following tips with our neighbors.
- An earthquake of today's magnitude may break gas, electrical, and water lines. If you smell gas, you should open windows, shut off the main gas valve, and do not turn any electrical appliances or lights on or off. Report suspected gas leaks immediately to 9-1-1 and leave the building.
- Once you have exited your building, do not re-enter the building until a utility official has declared it safe for entry.
- Should you experience electrical wire shortages, shut off the main breaker box.
- If water pipes are damaged, shut off the supply at the main valve to avoid household floods.
- Those with chimneys should have them inspected for cracks and damages.
- Should you have to relocate due to safety concerns, if possible, collect all family vital documents and any needed medications. Be sure to check on elderly neighbors and report to our Yahoo Police Groups any suspicious activity.
This should conclude all police updates for the evening, unless important announcements are needed. Remember to sign up for DC Alerts for the latest in emergency announcements from Mayor Gray and the DC Emergency Management Agency.
Thank you for your attention to this message.
Cathy L. Lanier
Chief of Police
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