5.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Salt Lake City Area
Early Wednesday morning, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake shook Salt Lake City area, knocking out power to thousands and prompting the governor to urge people to stay away from the capital’s downtown.
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According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck about 4 miles northeast of Magna, Utah 7:09 a.m. MT, which is 15 miles west of Salt Lake City. The state’s Department of Emergency Management said it was the largest quake in Utah since 1992. “It is very likely that you will feel aftershocks today,” the department said. “The strongest shaking seems to have been felt around Salt Lake County. The power has been knocked out in some areas.
The latest quake comes as many people around the world including Utah residents are dealing with the new changes brought by the coronavirus pandemic, including canceling schools and limiting mass gatherings. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said on Twitter,
“I know the last thing we need right now is an earthquake, but here we are, and it sounds like aftershocks are likely,” she said. ”The city is assessing the situation now and I’ll circle back with an update when I have it. Be safe,” Mendenhall said.
As of right now, there are no official reports of injuries, but the Salt Lake City Airport has been knocked out of operation, officials said.
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