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Community Corner

Did You Feel It? Earthquake Rocks D.C., Entire East Coast Area

Quake centered in Virginia; 5.9 magnitude reported.

Update: Statement released from Montgomery County Schools:

"Montgomery County Public Schools' buildings and offices sustained some minor damage due to Tuesday’s 5.9 magnitude earthquake that impacted the Washington, D.C. area.

Schools have provided initial damage reports and those have been prioritized. Facilities management staff members are continuing to assess the condition of schools and offices. All buildings are believed to be safe at this time.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Orientations for middle and high school students scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25 will take place as planned, as will elementary school open houses, which are set for Friday, Aug. 26.

MCPS staff will continue preparing for the opening of school on Monday, Aug. 29."

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Update, 5:50 p.m.: Governor Martin O’Malley released a statement from Annapolis on the earthquake:

“The earthquake this afternoon was an extremely unusual occurrence for us here on the East Coast. I have been briefed by members of my cabinet and public safety officials on the status of state facilities and operations. Presently, there are no reports of significant damage or incidents and we will continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly over the next 24 to 48 hours. We will be paying close attention to our utilities for problems with water mains or gas lines that may not be present immediately following an earthquake.

Of course, when the earthquake first hit, our thoughts immediately turned to the safety of our loved ones. I encourage everyone to check on their family members, friends and neighbors; particularly the elderly to make sure everyone is safe.”

Update, 3:45 p.m.: Montgomery County libraries, including Wheaton will be closed for the rest of the day due to building concerns as a result of today's earthquake. Closed libraries are: Gaithersburg Interim, Germantown, Little Falls, Potomac, Twinbrook, Wheaton and Rockville Memorial. Libraries are expected to reopen at their regularly scheduled times tomorrow. 

Original: A reported magnitude 5.9 - 6.0 earthquake shook the DC area as well as the entire East Coast this afternoon.

At approximately 1:50pm. an earthquake centered in Mineral, Virginia began shaking the ground.

Buildings in the DC area, including the Pentagon have been evacuated. WTOP is reporting that the National Park Service has evacuated all DC monuments and memorials.

Montgomery County Libraries has closed branches including Potomac, Rockville and Germantown. Other county libraries including Wheaton have not been confirmed but are thought to be closed as well.

County businesses and residents are reporting via twitter and email that they evacuated homes and office buildings:

- "Building in Silver Spring did the hula, a few things fell..nothing broken, but messed up cell and landline phone service. Some have it back, some not," - resident Margarete Levy via email.

- "Wheaton Plaza Mall shook. The hanging lights were swaying a bit an windows and skylights rattling. They had everyone out." - Kirk VanGilder, @KVG_DC, via Twitter.

Montgomery County Emergency alerts reports lines have been flooded and asks residents call 911 ONLY to report an emergency. It advises the following precautions:

  • If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and go to a location where you no longer smell gas, and report the leak by calling 911 (If Fire Rescue is not already on the scene).

If you smell a gas leak, do not:

  • Light matches or smoke. Avoid use of all open flames.
  • Try to locate the source of the gas leak. Use any electrical device, including cellular phone, I-pods etc.
  • Turn light switches On and Off.
  • Re-enter the building or return to the area until it has been declared safe to do so by Fire Rescue Personnel.

Let us know if you've been evacuated or what else is happening in your area of Wheaton.

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