SUMMARY
- The earthquake was widely felt across Salt Lake and Utah counties but caused no reported structural damage.
- It follows a 3.5 magnitude quake near Saratoga Springs and Lehi last week, indicating continued seismic activity in the region.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise residents to drop, cover, and hold on during tremors, or seek open areas if outdoors.
SALT LAKE CITY, — A 3.6 magnitude earthquake struck north-west of West Valley City in Utah’s Wasatch Front region at approximately 6:33 pm.
Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake’s epicenter was measured at a depth of 8.3 kilometers.
The tremor rattled homes and businesses across the Wasatch Front, briefly disrupting routines for residents. Emergency services reported no immediate injuries.
While small in magnitude, shallow earthquakes in Utah often generate widespread shaking due to the region’s unique geological conditions.
Utah sits atop the Intermountain Seismic Belt, a zone known for moderate seismic activity. Last week’s 3.5 magnitude earthquake had a depth of 7.7 kilometers and was widely felt in Utah County.
Local authorities maintain ongoing monitoring of these frequent, shallow tremors.
Dr. Lisa Grant, a seismologist at the University of Utah, said, “Even small quakes under 4.0 magnitude can be strongly felt if they are shallow, which is common along the Wasatch Front.”
Chris Nanos, sheriff of Pima County, emphasized public awareness “Residents should treat every shaking event as a reminder to review safety procedures and earthquake preparedness.”
“I felt my desk wobble and my lights swing,” said Sarah Miller, a West Valley City resident.
John Thompson, an ABC4 reporter in Salt Lake City, said, “People in downtown areas reported sudden shaking, but no damage was visible.”
Geologists continue to monitor Utah’s seismic zones. Authorities encourage residents to maintain earthquake kits and review emergency procedures, while noting that most small quakes cause minimal damage.
Thursday’s earthquake underscores Utah’s vulnerability to shallow seismic activity and the importance of preparedness in urban and suburban communities along the Wasatch Front.
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