5.7-magnitude earthquake rattles coast in series of quakes off Oregon, USGS says
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake shook off the southern Oregon coast as part of a sequence of quakes, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The largest quake was 6.2 miles deep, and it hit 110 miles from Port Orford at 8:23 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, according to the USGS.
At least 17 people from as far away as Portland and Seattle reported feeling the tremor.
A tsunami warning was not issued for this quake, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.
Quakes with magnitudes of 4.4, 4.1 and 3.9 also were part of the sequence, the USGS said.
Port Orford has a population of 1,155 as of 2021.
What to know about earthquakes
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.
Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.
Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:
If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.
If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”
This story was originally published March 27, 2024 at 9:01 AM with the headline "5.7-magnitude earthquake rattles coast in series of quakes off Oregon, USGS says."
