Most Powerful Earthquake in Decades Struck Utah
Utah has been struck by the most powerful earthquake in 28 years or nearly three decades, Salt Lake City’s airport shut down.
On Wednesday (March 18, 2020), Utah Emergency Management reported that a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck north-central Utah. The agency said that it was the strongest quake to hit the area since 1992.
The powerful tremor causes damage to Angel Moroni statue atop Salt Lake Temple. Several temple’s smaller spire stones have been also displaced due to the quake, according to a Church spokesperson.
Governor Gary Herbert said that the officials assessed the damage and the state’s poison control center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City was evacuated. Herbert also said that the coronavirus hotline was disrupted but Utah’s Department of Health would provide a temporary hotline.
“Please stay away from the downtown area while crews assess damage. Unless you work in public safety, or are an essential employee, remain at home or telework,” Herbert wrote on his Twitter post.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said that no deaths have been recorded as of this writing. However, damaged buildings and various gas leaks have been reported.
Planes were diverted from Salt Lake City International Airport. The control tower and concourses have been evacuated.
What can you say about this incident? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions to this article.