A magnitude 2.5 earthquake was recorded Sunday morning near Hillsboro, Ohio, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at approximately 5:50 a.m. Local time, roughly 3 kilometers (2.3 miles) northeast of the city and at a depth of 6.4 kilometers.
The earthquake was felt as far west as the Miami Valley, with reports of shaking coming from Centerville, Trotwood, Huber Heights, and Middletown, according to reporting from WYSO. Residents in Wilmington, Ohio, and Newport, Kentucky, also reported feeling the quake.
While the quake registered a 2.5 magnitude, a level considered a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, officials have reported no damage or injuries as of Sunday. Earthquakes of this magnitude typically do not cause structural damage, but can be felt by those near the epicenter.
The U.S. Geological Survey has requested that individuals who felt the earthquake submit reports through their “Did You Feel It?” citizen reporting system to aid in tracking seismic activity. Earthquakes are relatively uncommon in Ohio, but not unheard of, as much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains experiences infrequent seismic events. The USGS National Earthquake Information Center has reviewed the event.
Hillsboro, Ohio, has a population of approximately 6,500 residents. Nearby communities include Washington Court House and Goshen. Columbus, Ohio, is located roughly 60 miles north-northeast of the epicenter.
This winter has been marked by unusual weather events in the region, including record snowfall and tornado warnings, adding the earthquake to a series of recent occurrences.
