Swarm of at least 4 quakes rattles near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USGS says

Natalie Demaree
Getty Images/iStockphoto

A swarm of at least four earthquakes reaching up to 2.3 magnitude hit Maryville, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the U.S. Geological Survey reports.

The other quakes reported in the last 24 hours ranged from 2.2 to 1.4 magnitude, according to the USGS.

A five minute series of quakes, including the first 2.3 temblor, began around 10:40 p.m., Sunday, Sep. 8, in the Eastern Tennessee region, the USGS reported. The shake was followed by a 2.2 magnitude earthquake and then a 1.4 magnitude quake, officials said.

A 1.7 magnitude earthquake was then reported around 4:34 a.m. Sept. 9.

Although the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone is not known for having large earthquakes, it is one of the most active earthquake areas in the Southeastern United States, according to the USGS.

Maryville is about a 15-mile drive south from Knoxville.

What to know about earthquakes

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.

Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.

Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:

  • If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.

  • If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.

  • If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.

  • If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.

Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.

“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”

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