DC Region Marks 5 Years Since 5.8 Magnitude Quake

It's been five years since a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the Washington region. 

Tuesday marks five years since the quake in 2011, which was centered near Mineral, Virginia, or about 80 miles southwest of Washington. It lasted about 30-40 seconds and was felt up and down the East Coast. No larger earthquake has ever hit closer to D.C.

Aftershocks followed, including a 4.2-magnitude one felt inside the Beltway.

No one died in the quake, but the tumbler did extensive damage to the Washington National Cathedral and the Washington Monument. 

Repairs to the Washington Monument cost $15 million and kept the monument closed for nearly three years. 

The quake caused $34 million in damage to the National Cathedral, and repairs are still being made. Head stone mason Joe Alonso says after five years only 13 percent of the work has been completed. The cathedral still needs $22 million to finish the work. They hope to complete the work in 10 years.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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