Magnitude 3.8 Earthquake Shakes Indiana, The Strongest Quake in the State for Years

On Thursday, Indiana experienced its largest earthquake in 11 years, shaking several Hoosiers in their homes and businesses.

Around 3:15 p.m., the United States Geological Survey recorded a 3.8 magnitude earthquake about two miles northeast of Montezuma, matching a 3.8 quake that shook the state's central region in 2010.

Strongest Earthquakes in Indiana

According to USGS geophysicist Jana Parsley, the area's biggest earthquake happened more than 30 years ago, a 4.0 tremor near Montezuma. According to her, the biggest earthquake in Indiana history happened in 1909, with a magnitude of 5.1 in the Wabash Valley.

On the USGS' "Did You Feel It?" website, people from Terre Haute to Muncie and as far north as Granger and Mishawaka reported feeling the ground under them tremble. The tremor was also felt in areas of Illinois, including Chicago and southern Michigan.

Montezuma is located 65 miles west of Indianapolis in the state of Indiana. On Facebook, the local sheriff's office stated that no damage had been reported.

Earthquakes in Indiana

Experts believe that while earthquakes aren't unheard of in Indiana, fault line ruptures in the state's central region are "less common."

According to John Bellini of the National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colorado, "Indiana does have some earthquakes, but the majority occur down at the southern tip." "The distance this earthquake is being felt is quite usual for one of this size," says the narrator.

No Considerable Damage

According to Bellini, an earthquake of Thursday's magnitude is on the minor side and won't inflict considerable damage.

"Things may shake a little and feel like a big jolt," he added. "However, we don't expect any harm until we're in the mid-fourth level."

Earthquake Preparedness

Creating or obtaining Earthquake Emergency Kits is the first step in preparing for a large earthquake.

Your earthquake survival equipment should be kept in places where you spend most of your time, such as your house, car, and office. Earthquakes strike without notice, increasing the chances that you may be on the road or at work when one occurs. Keep a Bucket Survival Kit in your house in case you need to shelter in place. Have a Backpack Survival Kit in your car in case of an evacuation or a roadside emergency, and keep an earthquake kit in your office or classroom. Keep your earthquake preparation supplies in a convenient area. Prepare a separate pack for your dogs, which should include an emergency supply of food, water, and other necessary supplies and prescriptions.

What to Do During Earthquakes

When the earth begins to tremble, your choices might mean the difference between survival and serious harm. If you are at home, work, school, or on the road, you must understand what to do in the event of an earthquake. Experts in earthquake preparedness recommend particular measures such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." These easy actions have been shown to save lives and lower your chances of dying or being injured. Drop to the floor, seek refuge beneath a strong desk or table, and hang on to it tightly during an earthquake. Then, prepare to move with it until it stops shaking.

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