HILLSBORO, Ohio — A small earthquake was recorded Sunday morning in southern Ohio, just northeast of Hillsboro.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude 2.5 quake occurred at 10:50 a.m. UTC (5:50 a.m. local time) approximately 3 kilometers (about 2.3 miles) northeast of Hillsboro. The tremor originated at a depth of 6.4 kilometers.
The epicenter was located a short distance from Hillsboro, a city of about 6,500 residents. Other nearby communities include Wilmington, Washington Court House and Goshen. Columbus is located roughly 60 miles north-northeast of the epicenter.
As of Sunday, only a small number of residents had reported feeling the quake through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” citizen reporting system. No damage or injuries have been reported.
Earthquakes in Ohio are relatively uncommon but not unheard of. Much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains experiences infrequent seismic activity. However, quakes in the eastern United States can often be felt across a wider area than similar-sized events in the West due to differences in geology.
The event has been reviewed by the USGS National Earthquake Information Center. Officials say minor earthquakes of this magnitude typically do not cause damage but may be felt by people close to the epicenter.
Residents who felt the tremor are encouraged to submit reports through the USGS website to assist scientists in tracking seismic activity.
