As the nation reels from the impact of the coronavirus, Idaho feels its most powerful earthquake since 1983.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in central Idaho at approximately 5:52 pm on Tuesday.
The quake struck approximately 72 miles northeast of Boise, originating at a depth of 6.2 miles. No injuries or damage have so far been reported.
Yep we felt it too. No reports of damage at this time. Stay safe out there Boise. Call us if you need us.
— Boise PD (@BoisePD) April 1, 2020
USA Today reports that residents in grocery stores and homes in towns around Boise felt the tremors. Other cities and states that reported feeling the impact include Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls and Hailey in Idaho; Spokane, Washington; Missoula and Bozeman, Montana; and Salt Lake City in Utah.
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The last time Idaho had been rocked by such a powerful quake was 36 years ago in 1983, when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck east of the Lost River fault zone.
Called the Borah Peak earthquake, it occurred on Oct. 28, 1983, and resulted in two fatalities in Challis, Idaho, and more than $12 million in damages. Five other earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 5 were recorded during the following year.
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This latest earthquake occurred near the Challis area as well, with a 4.8 magnitude aftershock occurring in the southwest of Challis about an hour later, reports say. The U.S. Geological Survey forecasts a 4 percent chance of one or more aftershocks larger than 6.5 following the initial quake.
It is likely that there will be smaller quakes over the course of the next week, with several aftershocks already recorded.
Good morning, #Idaho. Aftershocks continuing after last night’s M 6.5 #earthquake. Check https://t.co/M7gqJveh9S for the latest information. pic.twitter.com/j9zzB8ag2W
— USGS in Idaho (@USGS_Idaho) April 1, 2020
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