Illinois Earthquake

Guide Note:

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Illinois at 4:36 AM on April 18. The quake was centered 6 miles from West Salem, Illinois.

The shock was felt as far as 450 miles from the epicenter.

Residents in Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Tennessee were shaken awake by the tremors.

This earthquake, along the New Madrid Fault Line, ties the record for the largest such event in the Illinois basin/Ozark dome region. The last quake of its magnitude was in 1968.

Fast Facts:

1. 5.4 is a preliminary estimation by U. S. Geological Survey
2. Residents are urged to check gas lines to see if they've been broken
3. No injuries reported as yet
4. Minor damage reported so far
5. Earthquake was 3 to 7 miles below ground