The United Sates Geological Survey reported that at 5.52 p.m. on Tuesday evening, Idaho and 6 other surrounding states throughout the Northwest were jolted by an earthquake measuring 6.5 magnitude.
According to the USGS report, the first of the quakes was a powerful 6.5 magnitude temblor that occurred about 44 miles west of Challis. It was followed by a 3.6 magnitude quake at 6:01 p.m., a 4.6 magnitude quake at 6:27 p.m., a 3.4 magnitude quake at 6:49 p.m., a 3.5 magnitude quake at 7:03 p.m., a 3.3 magnitude quake at 7:13 p.m., a 3.2 magnitude quake at 7:23 p.m., a 3.1 magnitude quake at 7:27 p.m. and a 3.3 magnitude quake at 7:44 p.m.
The eight smaller quakes occurred within 15 miles to the northwest, west, southwest and south of the first quake, according to the USGS.
All of these tremors occurred in thinly populated mountainous terrain.
The USGS reports that the epicenter was 45 miles west of Challis and 73.3 miles north of Meridian and depth was 10 kilometers.
While magnitude of 6.5 quakes are capable of causing large damages, particularly in populated areas, quakes in the 3.1 to 4.6 magnitude range are usually cause minor damages.
The USGS had a delay in reporting the quake in view of social distancing, as said by Paul Bodin, the head of the University Washington seismology.
It is not yet confirmed whether the quakes caused any damage or injuries, but the Idaho Office of Emergency Management is still in the process of contacting emergency responders throughout the state for updates.
Idaho State Police are also searching for damage and injuries, but up till now, have found none. The state police also received frequent calls from citizens about Tuesday evening’s earthquakes.
