Photos of the Day: Earthquake in Virginia

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake rippled through the East Coast at 1:51 p.m. today. Government buildings, offices and businesses were evacuated. 

"Was that my car?  I thought it was my car.  I didn't think they had earthquakes in Virginia," said Lily Thompson at Ft. Belvoir immediately after the quake.

All Ft. Belvoir buildings were evacuated. "We felt a big bump," said Col. Mark Moffatt, deputy garrison commander.  "The response at military installations like this is to clear the buildings until we figure out what the issue is."

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that the quake started in Mineral, Va. It was felt as far north as Boston and beyond, and as far south as Atlanta.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell issued this statement: “We are currently working with federal, state and local agencies to assess the situation and determine if there has been any damage resulting from today’s 5.9 magnitude earthquake which was centered near Mineral in Louisa County.

"As part of this effort we are in touch with officials around the state. 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.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued this statement: 

"Though there are no early reports of major damage or requests for assistance at this time, preliminary damage assessments are currently taking place in all affected states and we will continue to work closely with their emergency management officials. 

"Due to overload of cell phone usage, there are reports of cell phone congestion.  We request that members of the public use email or text messages if possible to communicate for the next few hours, except in cases of emergency, so that emergency officials can continue to receive and respond to urgent calls. We encourage everyone in the affected areas to listen to the direction of their local officials. More information will be provided as it becomes available."