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.
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
13 Responses
I felt the earthquake last night. I thought someone was under my bed. Glad to know I was not imagining it.
I was sitting watching TV and my chair started shaking I thought someone was behind my chair shaking it but I was the only one Home 🏡
I felt it in the east side of Sequim WA while watching TV a brief rolling shake.
I’m North Skagit County,And I Believe That There Was A Earthquake ,I Felt Shuttle Shaking,& Movement ,I Like To Stay Up To Date On Our Weather,And Earthquake Conditions,Patricia
Mountlake Terrace Lynnwood boArder felt like someone picked up our apartment building dropped it
NW Lynnwood, didn’t feel a thing.
Strange quake, not the typical shake, strange location too, was more like an indian island ordinance deationation underground.
We just came home from an event and did not feel anything. We live in Hoodsport.
How deep in miles please
Felt it in SW Lynnwood