Earthquake, West Coast of the United States, Tsunami, Oregon, warning, Richter scale from

Earthquake on the West Coast of the United States

Tsunami Warning Issued for Oregon Coast

Moderate earthquake rattles central Oregon coast, shaking as far east as Eugene; no reports of damage or injuries at this time

A moderate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 rattled the central Oregon coast early Saturday morning, shaking buildings as far as 110 miles away in Eugene. No tsunami has been generated by this earthquake, and there are no reports of any damage or injuries at this time.

The quake struck at 7:39 a.m. Pacific time, and was centered about 7 miles west of Florence, Oregon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake was widely felt across central and western Oregon, including Eugene, Salem, Corvallis, Albany and Newport. Many residents reported feeling a strong shaking that lasted for several seconds.

The USGS initially reported the quake as a magnitude 5.4, but later revised it to 5.5. The quake was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks, the largest of which was a magnitude 3.4.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) inspected bridges and roadways in the affected area and found no damage. The Oregon State Police (OSP) also reported no damage or injuries.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tsunami warning for the Oregon coast following the quake, but it was later canceled. There is no longer any tsunami threat to the Oregon coast.

The quake is a reminder that Oregon is located in a seismically active region. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, a major fault line that runs along the coast of Oregon and Washington, is capable of producing large earthquakes and tsunamis.

Residents of Oregon should be prepared for the possibility of earthquakes and tsunamis. They should have an emergency plan in place and know what to do in the event of an earthquake or tsunami warning.

More information on earthquake preparedness can be found on the websites of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI).