MUKILTEO, Wash., October 8, 2023—Puget Sound residents from Bellingham to Kent got a brief jolt of a 4.3 magnitude earthquake on early Sunday evening according to the United States Geological Survey.
The earthquake, which occurred at 7:21 p.m. on October 8, was initially said to be 4.5 magnitude before being downgraded to 4.3 with a depth of 57.2 kilometers. The epicenter is reported to be near Indian Island County Park, just over 18 miles northwest of Mukilteo, Washington. There have been no reports of damages or injuries at this time.Â
Earthquakes are fairly common occurrences in Washington State with more than 1,000 occurring each year, according to the Washington Military Department. A dozen or so are only strong enough that people feel them, however.
Washington has dozens of faults and fault zones, some in remote areas but others running through major cities and pose significant hazards, the Department of Natural Resources said.
Washington has the second highest risk in the U.S. of these large and damaging earthquakes because of its geologic setting. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends having a safety plan in place to prepare for serious earthquakes. Make an emergency plan, if you are driving pull over, secure heavy items in your home. If you are outside stay away from structures or buildings, and duck under cover if you are inside. If you are trapped, cover your mouth, send a text, and bang on a pipe or a wall until help arrives.
Author: Mario Lotmore
