Earthquake Shakes US East Coast

An earthquake measured at magnitude 5.9 has shaken much of the U.S. east coast.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake Tuesday was centered about 140 kilometers southwest of Washington, at a spot northwest of Richmond, Virginia.

Authorities evacuated the U.S. Capitol building, the Pentagon, and other federal buildings, including VOA headquarters.

Witnesses said at least one spire broke off the Washington National Cathedral, but there were no reports of injuries.

The earthquake struck shortly before 1800 UTC. The quake was felt as far north as Boston, including in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where President Barack Obama is vacationing.

Shaking was also felt as far west as Pittsburgh and as far south of Atlanta.

Transportation systems in New York and other cities resumed operating after a minor delay.

Federal officials say two nuclear reactors in Louisa County, Virginia, were automatically taken off line by safety systems. Officials were going to the area to inspect the sites.