Breaking News: Earthquake in the Southeastern United States

The earthquake, centered near Greenback and measuring approximately 25 kilometers deep, struck shortly after 9:00 a.m. and was felt in at least five states.

A magnitude 4,1 earthquake struck eastern Tennessee on Saturday morning, in one of the most seismically active regions in the southeastern United States.

The Reports Preliminary figures from the United States Geological Survey indicate that the earthquake was clearly felt in Knoxville and Chattanooga, as well as in cities in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

In places like Atlanta, Asheville, and Greenville, many residents reported feeling their homes shake for several seconds, although no property damage or injuries were reported.

This area of ​​the country, which encompasses eastern Tennessee, northwest Georgia, and northeast Alabama, is part of a geological belt known for constant seismic activity. Although it doesn't typically record large earthquakes, it does experience moderate ones with some frequency.

Recent precedents

One of the most recent occurred in December 2018, when a magnitude 4,4 earthquake struck the Decatur, Tennessee area. That event was also felt in several neighboring states and was, at the time, one of the strongest tremors in the area since 1973.

Historically, the most notable earthquake in the region occurred near Alcoa, Tennessee, in November 1973, with a magnitude of 4,7. Although it didn't cause significant damage, it raised concerns about the seismic vulnerability of an area that many don't associate with frequent earthquakes.

Further north, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which extends into western Kentucky and southern Illinois, has been responsible for some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history, such as those of 1811 and 1812, with estimated magnitudes as high as 8,0.

In the case of this Saturday's earthquake, local authorities recalled the importance of having emergency plans in homes and buildings, even in regions where earthquakes are not as common.unes. Emergency management agencies continue to monitor the area, although no significant aftershocks are expected.