Earthquake - Midwest USA

Article Type: News items From: Disaster Prevention and Management, Volume 17, Issue 5

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck southern Illinois on April 18. It was felt in areas up to 900 miles away. According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter was located about 38 miles north-northwest of Evansville, Indiana. The quake occurred in the Wabash Valley fault system, which is adjacent to the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

In 1811 and 1812, three large earthquakes devastated the region around New Madrid, Missouri, and were felt throughout most of the country.