Des Moines Suburb Rattles with Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake

Des Moines Suburb Rattles with Magnitude 4.5 EarthquakeDes Moines Suburb Rattles with Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck the Des Moines suburb of West Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday evening, causing widespread shaking and anxiety among residents. The earthquake occurred at 7:53 p.m. local time and had an epicenter near the Jordan Creek Mall, a popular shopping and entertainment complex. The quake was felt as far away as Omaha, Nebraska, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). It was the strongest earthquake to hit Iowa since 2008. Initial reports indicate that there has been no major damage to infrastructure or buildings. However, some homes and businesses have reported cracked walls, broken windows, and disrupted utility services. “It was like something I’ve never felt before,” said one resident who was in her home at the time of the quake. “The whole house shook violently, and I thought it was going to collapse.” Emergency crews and engineers are currently assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the earthquake. The USGS is monitoring the situation and has issued a yellow alert for potential aftershocks. Residents are advised to stay informed about the situation and follow instructions from local authorities. If an aftershock occurs, they should drop to the ground, cover their head and neck, and wait for the shaking to subside. The earthquake has caused disruption to traffic and daily life in the affected area. Some roads have been closed due to debris, and schools have been dismissed for the rest of the day. The Des Moines Police Department is urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of the community,” said Police Chief David Mathis.