Earthquake felt in D.C. suburbs, startling residents

[IronLionZion]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/01/02/earthquake-maryland-shaking-tuesday-felt/

A small earthquake occurred near Rockville, Md., early Tuesday, and within an hour, hundreds of people in Maryland’s suburbs reported hearing or feeling it, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The 2.3-magnitude quake, according to initial estimates, occurred a few minutes before 1 a.m. at a depth of about 9.5 miles and an approximate distance of 1.8 miles west of Rockville.

A quake of that magnitude is regarded as minor and very weak.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injury, but the quake occurred at a time when many people were asleep. Most accounts of experiencing the quake came from Montgomery County, where Rockville is located.

Reports told of shaking, of the kind caused by a heavy truck passing by. Others emphasized the sound, likening it to a kind of growling or low roar.

A Silver Spring resident told The Washington Post of hearing “a distinctive rumble that lasted 10 or 15 seconds.”