Earthquake in Ocean City, Maryland? Residents Report Shaking, Explosions

Earthquake in Ocean City, Maryland? Residents Report Shaking, Explosions
(Maryland Geological Survey)
Zachary Stieber
2/6/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

A possible earthquake struck Ocean City in Maryland on Thursday, with residents feeling buildings shake and hearing explosions.

The city said in a statement that it received multiple reports about a loud boom and shaking in the area.

“We have been in contact with state and local officials, as well as our partnering geological agencies,” it said. “At this time we have no confirmation of an earthquake but will update residents and visitors if that information changes. Fortunately, despite reported tremors, it is a sunny and beautiful winter day at the beach!”

The U.S. Geological Service, which records earthquakes around the world, has not reported anything happening in Ocean City.

However, the Maryland Geological Survey recorded an uptick in seismic activity around 11:30 a.m.

The survey is working with other agencies to triangulate the source of the termors, director Richard Ortt told the Blatimore Sun.

There were no military offshore activities scheduled that could explain the reports, fire officials told CBS.

The only earthquake on record in Ocean City, a popular vacation spot that’s relatively empty this time of year, happened on October 15, 1928. It’s magnitude was not disclosed.