Henrico County VA
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Earthquake hits Henrico, Central Virginia

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake centered just west of Henrico County struck today, shaking buildings throughout Henrico and along the East Coast but apparently causing more temporary panic than significant damage.

No injuries were immediately reported, but on Twitter and Facebook, some local residents reported minor damages in residences and office buildings from the quake, which shook between 25 and 30 seconds.

Glen Allen resident Meredith Hertzler described finding five cracks in the drywall at her home.

"Pictures are crooked and some little treasures were displaced off shelves," Hertzler wrote on the Henrico Citizen's Facebook page. "But nothing horrible.... yet."

While most in the region felt significant shaking inside their buildings or homes, a number of residents who were driving or walking at the time of the quake reported that they had not felt anything.

Henrico Police officials encouraged anyone who had reported damage to call (804) 501-7809.

Service at Richmond International Airport was not disrupted as a result of the quake, but the airport's FAA tower was evacuated for several minutes following the quake, according to airport spokesman Troy Bell. The airport was preparing for the possibility that it might receive some diverted flights that originally were scheduled to land in the Washington, D.C. area, but no such flights had been diverted to Richmond as of 3:30 p.m.

At the University of Richmond, where classes began yesterday, officials reported no damage or injuries.

Officials at the Richmond International Airport HCA Virginia reported that all of its hospitals were operating as normal following the quake.

At Richmond International Raceway, which will host its signature NASCAR race Sept. 10, officials reported no visible signs of damage.

In a statement, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell said that state officials were working with local, state and federal agencies to determine if the quake had caused any significant damage.

"As part of this effort we are in touch with officials around the state," he said. "All indications are that emergency response plans and orderly evacuations have gone well today, and I thank all involved. In the wake of the earthquake, I would like to encourage all Virginians to check on neighbors and loved ones to ensure that everyone is safe and to continue cooperating with law enforcement and emergency responders working in your neighborhood. All resources of the Commonwealth have been put on alert to assist in any way necessary as we move forward.”

What did you hear or feel during or after the quake? Send us your reports of damage by e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or on Twitter @HenricoCitizen.



Community

Weekend Top 10

Shrimp, barbecue and ice cream definitely go together this weekend in Henrico! The kids might even enjoy a tea party with Alice and the Mad Hatter. Other fun events for the family are Imagination Richmond and May Play Day. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.

Indian flair

Children perform during the India Spring Fest, held April 27-28 at the Hindu Center in Glen Allen. The event featured traditional Indian food, shopping and entertainment for children and adults. > Read more.

Spirit of Habitat

Spirited Art Richmond held a painting class May 5 for Hanover Habitat for Humanity families to paint their own artwork as a final touch for their new homes. Among first-time homeowners painting The Klimt Circle tree (which doubles as a ‘family tree’) were (left to right) Janet Payne, Gwen Stockman of Hanover Habitat and Payne’s daughter, Ashley Payne. Spirited Art is located in Short Pump at West Broad Village. > Read more.

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Entertainment

Restaurant watch

Find out how your favorite dining establishments fared during their most recent inspections by the Virginia Department of Health. > Read more.

Wine, for the win

Popular Short Pump spot offers upscale comfort, flavors
The Wine Loft opened in West Broad Village in January 2010, offering a full bar with wine, beer, spirits and a kitchen with tapas-style snacks. It offers a seasonal patio area along Whittall Way. Its walk-in wine “humidor” in plain view from the bar offers more than 85 wines by the glass ($6-$65) and about 250 by the bottle ($28 and up), with some emphasis on Italian wines. Culinary trained chefs plus partnership with Culinard (Culinary program of Virginia College). > Read more.

Restaurant watch

Find out how your favorite dining establishments fared during their most recent inspections by the Virginia Department of Health. > Read more.

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