A 5.8 earthquake with an epicenter near Mineral, VA, struck at 1:51 p.m. yesterday, shaking buildings and rattling windows from Canada to the Carolinas.
After suffering damage to the front of the building, the Mineral, VA, Post Office was evacuated and closed, but today has reopened. Photo: ABC News
Reports indicate no USPS employees were injured as a result of the earthquake. The Mineral, VA, and Mechanicsville, VA, Post Offices each reported minor structural damage. Both facilities were evacuated, and mail was removed from the buildings and collection boxes. Both facilities have been determined safe for operations and employees are on duty today.
“The safety and well being of our employees and the public we serve is our primary consideration,” said Chief Operating Officer Megan Brennan. “We’re grateful that all employees are safe and there is no major impact to our operations. It’s another example that the nation can count on the Postal Service to be prepared and respond in times like these.”
Minor damage has been reported at more than a dozen Post Offices throughout Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and the District of Columbia. In Culpepper, VA, local authorities restricted tractor-trailer traffic because of concern for debris falling from buildings. The Anacostia Station building in the District of Columbia was closed at the instruction of the local Fire Marshall. Anacostia delivery operations have been redirected to River Terrace.
It’s anticipated that delivery, collection and mail processing operations will continue on schedule for most of the affected area.
source: USPS News Link