**10th Anniversary of the Magnitude 5.8 Virginia Earthquake** Ten years ago today, on August 23, 2011, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the Piedmont region of the United States, centered near Mineral, Virginia. The earthquake, which occurred at 1:51 p.m. ET, was felt by millions of people throughout the eastern United States, including in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Virginia, including in Richmond and Charlottesville. No fatalities were reported, but several people were injured. The Virginia earthquake was the largest to hit the eastern United States in over 100 years. It was also the largest earthquake to hit Virginia since 1897. The earthquake was a reminder of the seismic hazard that exists in the eastern United States. While earthquakes are less common in this region than in the western United States, they can still occur and cause significant damage. Residents of the eastern United States should be prepared for earthquakes by having an emergency plan in place. This plan should include knowing what to do during an earthquake, having a supply of food and water, and having a plan for how to communicate with family and friends in the event of an emergency.
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