Magnitude 2.8 Earthquake Shakes Richmond Area, Residents Report Tremors

RICHMOND, Va. — A magnitude 2.8 earthquake struck the Richmond area on Tuesday evening, causing residents to report tremors and loud booms. The quake, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2025, was centered near Short Pump and Glen Allen, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Initial reports indicate the earthquake had a depth of seven miles. While no damage or injuries have been reported, residents took to social media to describe their experiences. “Yes! Entire house shook!!” wrote Hannah Wells, a local resident. Another resident, Debbie Roberts, added, “Big boom and the whole house shook. The foundation shook really hard.”

The USGS confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude and location, noting that such events are rare in the region. The agency stated that earthquakes of this size are typically felt but rarely cause significant damage. “This was a minor event, but it’s unusual for this area,” said a USGS spokesperson.

Local news outlets, including CBS 6 and WWBT, received numerous calls from viewers who reported feeling the tremors. Many described the experience as startling but brief. “It was over in seconds, but it definitely got our attention,” said one caller.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and report any damage to local emergency services. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has not issued any alerts or advisories in response to the quake.

Earthquakes in Virginia are relatively uncommon, but the state has experienced notable seismic activity in the past. The most significant event in recent history was the 2011 magnitude 5.8 earthquake centered in Mineral, Virginia, which was felt across much of the East Coast.

Experts say that while the likelihood of a larger earthquake in the region is low, residents should be prepared. “It’s always good to have an emergency plan in place, even if the risk is minimal,” said a local geologist.