A 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Dyersburg, Tennessee, early Thursday morning. The tremor, which occurred around 3:19 a.m. local time, was felt across several counties in the region.
The earthquake was reported to be centered in Ridgely, a small town in northern Dyer County, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS also reported that the earthquake had a depth of approximately 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles).
Despite the relatively low magnitude of the quake, it was felt as far north as Calloway County, Kentucky, and as far south as Covington, Tennessee. No damage or injuries have been reported so far.
"It was a bit of a surprise," said local resident John Smith. "I've never felt an earthquake here before."
The New Madrid seismic zone, which encompasses parts of seven American states including Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and to a lesser extent, Mississippi and Indiana, is the most seismically active in North America east of the Rockies. The area has a history of seismic activity, with the most notable events being the series of earthquakes that occurred in the winter of 1811-1812.
While earthquakes in this part of the country are not uncommon, they are generally of a lower magnitude. The USGS classifies a 3.8 magnitude earthquake as "minor," with approximately 100,000 such earthquakes occurring each year.
"This was a minor earthquake," said USGS seismologist Dr. Jane Doe. "But it serves as a reminder that earthquakes can and do occur in the central and eastern United States."
The Dyersburg Emergency Operations has reported no damage from the earthquake. Residents and local authorities are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential seismic activity in the future.
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