Earthquake Rocks North, South Carolina and Georgia

Earthquake Rocks Western Carolinas
Quake Measures 3.8 On Richter Scale

POSTED: 12:03 am EDT August 25, 2005
UPDATED: 12:34 am EDT August 25, 2005

HOT SPRINGS, N.C. -- If you thought you felt the earth move Wednesday night, you were right.

An earthquake struck the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia just after 11 p.m.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake´s epicenter was about 2 miles from Hot Springs, N.C., which is about 25 miles north-northwest of Asheville.

Preliminary reports indicate the quake took place about 3 miles below the ground and reached a magnitude of 3.8.

The area where the quake occurred has been previously identified by the USGS as having a higher potential for earthquakes than much of the surrounding region.

People across the Upstate and as far south as Augusta reported rattling dishes and glasses, and many said they could feel the tremor coming as it approached.

Others closer to the epicenter described the event as being like a bomb hitting their home.

The quake´s duration was reported to be anywhere between 7 and 20 seconds.

No damage has been reported to emergency agencies so far.

Tune in to WYFF News 4 at 5 and 6 a.m. for the latest information on this story.
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