In the midst of everything else that’s going on in the country right now, Utah was at the center of a very serious natural disaster. Registering 5.9, Utah just experienced its largest earthquake in almost 30 years earlier today.
A record 5.9-magnitude earthquake was felt by millions of residents in Salt Lake City and its neighboring suburbs sending many fleeing their homes after endless power outages and the halting of the city’s light rail system.
The epicenter of the earthquake was just southwest of Salt Lake City, where an estimated 2.8 million likely felt the quake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
While there were no initial reports of major damages to buildings or serious injuries, residents did report feeling shaking across a 100-mile (160 kilometer) area—with Salt Lake City feeling the heaviest impact, as stated by Utah Emergency Management spokesman Joe Dougherty.
Some residents also reportedly ran from their homes as they said they felt the earthquake shake for 10-15 seconds.
The earthquake was also felt the neighboring states of Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada. Gov. Gary Herbert warned people to stay away from downtown Salt Lake City while crews continue to assess the damage.
About 55,000 people lost electricity in the Salt Lake City area. Additionally, the road to the Salt Lake International Airport was closed and officials asked residents to stay away from the area.
It was the largest earthquake to hit Utah since a 5.9 magnitude quake shook southern Utah in 1992, according to Utah Emergency Management.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?
