**10th Anniversary of the 2011 Virginia Earthquake** Ten years ago today, on August 23, 2011, millions of people throughout the eastern United States felt the shaking from a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. The epicenter of the quake was near Mineral, Virginia, and it was felt as far away as Maine, Canada, and Alabama. The quake caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, including the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and the Pentagon. It also resulted in the deaths of one person and injuries to dozens of others. New York City's last major earthquake was in 2011. However, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the region has a history of seismic activity. The USGS estimates that there is a 7% chance of a magnitude 5.0 or greater earthquake occurring in the New York City area within the next 10 years. The 2011 Virginia earthquake was the strongest with an epicenter in the New York area since 1884 and the fourth-strongest ever. The quake was centered near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, 40 miles west of New York City. While earthquakes are relatively rare in the New York City area, it's important to be prepared for the possibility of a major event. Residents should develop an emergency plan and have a supply of food, water, and other essentials on hand.
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