4.0 magnitude earthquake with epicenter in Missouri felt in 9 states; minor damage The USA Times

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

4.0 magnitude earthquake with epicenter in Missouri felt in 9 states; minor damage

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. - Only minor damage is reported after an earthquake centred in southeast Missouri shook at least nine states.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude 4.0 earthquake was centred near the town of East Prairie, Missouri. Geological Survey geophysicist Amy Vaughan says several people in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee reported being awakened by the quake that happened at 3:58 a.m. (0858 GMT) A few residents of North Carolina, Alabama, Indiana and Georgia also felt it.

East Prairie City Administrator Lonnie Thurmond says the shaking lasted about seven seconds. Vaughan says he's heard reports of cracks in sidewalks and walls, some broken windows, and minor household damage such as rattled shelves and things falling from cabinets.