A magnitude 3.4 earthquake has shaken the waking moments of residents in western Washington, giving an early morning stir to cities including Auburn and Seattle. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the seismic event occurred at 3:45 a.m., echoing beneath the earth's surface at a depth of 25.3 kilometers, as reported by KING 5. The quake’s epicenter pinpointed just southeast of Auburn, along the course of the Green River.
Residents from Tacoma to as far as Olympia and Camano Island reported sensations of the earthquake. One resident, Frank Lenzi, news director at KIRO Newsradio, recounted the moment, saying, "I thought it was the cat. I thought he was scratching the mattress and shaking it." However, Lenzi soon realized the true cause as, "The doors were kind of shaking on the hinges," Lenzi told MyNorthwest. With no major damages had been reported, local safety officials are nonetheless urging citizens to relay their experiences to the USGS for further impact analysis.
This recent rumble comes on the heels of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake that shook near Squamish, British Columbia just the day prior, marking a seismically active period for the region. The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to tectonic stirrings, with this jolt being only the latest in a series of shakes that remind of the region's quake-prone nature. The USGS notes that quakes of this size, while usually not destructive, are frequently felt and serve as a nudge for preparedness.
As part of the best practices following an earthquake, officials from the Department of Homeland Security advise to "turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow" if in bed, or to "stay away from buildings" if outdoors, as shared by The News Tribune. These tips form part of the broader mantra to drop, cover, and hold on during such moments when the earth decides to remind of its inherent power and unpredictability.
