The One Year Anniversary of Virginia's Earthquake
The 5.8 quake shocked the east coast one year ago today.
Photos
Videos
Dozens of patrons at the Panera in West Springfield hid under tables when shaking rocked the building at about 1:51 p.m. on August 23, 2011.
One year ago today, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral, Va., was felt as far north as Boston and beyond, and as far south as Atlanta.
"I felt the floor shaking, then I heard a crack and I thought the ceiling was going to come down," said Erin Gilbert, a teacher eating in the Panera in West Springfield.
"I felt the floor rumbling like the Metro was going underneath and I said, 'Get under the table!'" said Erin's friend, Sue.
The worst damage in the D.C. metro area occurred at the Washington Monument and the Washington National Cathedral. The Washington Monument is still closed to tourists, due to cracks in the structure resulting from the quake. It is expected to reopen in 2014, following an estimate $15 million in repairs.
The Washington National Cathedral suffered damage in the millions of dollars.
Where were you when the quake hit? Share your story in the comments section below.
Angelina
9:28 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
i was At The Library!
Susan Larson
2:01 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
I was at Panera in West Springfield, and at first I thought the noise was someone using a jack hammer right outside the window. But then as the glass began to rattle, the walls began to shake and the floor began to roll, my mind flashed 'earthquake.' For weeks afterward, any loud noise made me jump!