Two Earthquakes Rumble in Madison County
Pearl, MS – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has been notified by the United States Geological Survey that a 3.2 magnitude earthquake, centered just 4 miles southwest of Canton, Miss., struck around 7:40 p.m. Saturday evening. Another 3.0 earthquake was also registered five miles southwest of Canton just after 8 p.m. Residents in the area report feeling the rumbling to local authorities. At this time there are no reported injuries or major damages.
Gov. Phil Bryant has been in contact with Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker to offer the full support of the state should he need any resources.
Madison County Emergency Management Director Butch Hammack says local fire departments are checking on citizens in the areas of the two quakes.
MEMA has deployed an area coordinator to Madison County for any assistance that may be requested.
“We tell our citizens all the time that earthquakes can and do happen here in Mississippi,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “While it is unusual to feel them here in the central part of the state, these were relatively small, shallow quakes and we are fortunate there are no injuries or major damage being reported.”
Earthquakes are ranked in magnitude of 1.0 to 7.0 or higher. General details of magnitude 3.0 earthquakes from the USGS:
Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors, especially on upper floors of buildings. Many people do not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibrations are similar to the passing of a truck.”
For detailed preparedness information, contact your county emergency management agency or go to MEMA’s website at www.msema.org. The best way to get up-to-date information is to “Like” MEMA on Facebook, or “Follow” us on twitter.
