A 3.5 magnitude earthquake jolted parts of East Tennessee on Saturday morning, including Greenback, Knoxville, Farragut, Maryville, and Seymour. The tremors, which were felt as far as North Georgia, left residents on edge, though no significant damage has been reported.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 30 miles southwest of Knoxville, near Greenback, Tennessee. The earthquake struck at 9:04 AM Eastern Time, and despite its relatively small magnitude, the tremors were felt widely across the region.
Residents of metro Atlanta, including those as far south as Newnan, reported their walls and furniture shaking during the earthquake, highlighting the widespread impact of the tremor. Many took to social media to share their experiences, reporting shaking buildings and rattling furniture.
Tennessee has been no stranger to seismic activity in recent months. In the last month alone, the state has experienced 21 smaller earthquakes. The largest earthquake in East Tennessee since 1900 occurred in 1973, when a 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Alcoa.
Despite the tremors, the Knoxville Fire Department confirmed that no damage had been reported from the earthquake. Spokesman Mark Wilbanks reassured the public that there were no immediate threats to the area.
While earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively rare in East Tennessee, residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for any future seismic events.
As authorities continue to monitor aftershocks, experts emphasize the importance of being prepared for unexpected seismic activity, especially in areas that may not typically experience large quakes.
Sources By Agencies
