Third earthquake in one week reported in the North Carolina mountains
Geologists on Sunday reported an earthquake in western North Carolina.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 2.0-magnitude earthquake happened around 3:44 a.m. 11 miles west-northwest of Bryson City.
No one was injured, and no buildings were damaged.
It is, however, the third small earthquake in a week reported in western North Carolina. There were two earthquakes a week prior in North Carolina, just minutes apart.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the first earthquake happened Saturday, March 30, at 11:48 p.m., and the second earthquake happened just minutes later on Sunday, March 31, at 12:22 a.m.
How common are earthquakes in North Carolina?
With the unusual amount of seismic activity this month, many are wondering: How common are earthquakes in NC, and how often do they cause damage, injuries - or even loss of life?
Damage-causing earthquakes are very rare in North Carolina; however, the state has faced a handful of memorable and powerful quakes that have been largely forgotten by history.
Dating back to 1735, there have been 22 damage-causing earthquakes in North Carolina -- with the most damaging earthquakes taking place in 1861, 1886, 1916 and 1926.
