Portland Quakes Shake City, Minor Damage Reported

Portland Quakes Shake City, Minor Damage ReportedPortland Quakes Shake City, Minor Damage Reported Portland, Oregon was jolted by a series of earthquakes early this morning, leaving residents shaken but largely unscathed. The magnitude 4.3 quake struck near the city’s Pearl District at 5:30 AM, followed by a series of smaller aftershocks. The seismic activity was felt across the city, causing books to fall from shelves and windows to rattle. Initial reports indicate that damage was minimal. Some downtown buildings reported cracked plaster and loose ceiling tiles, while a few homes experienced minor foundation problems. No injuries have been reported at this time. “We’re still assessing the situation,” said City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. “Our first priority is to ensure the safety of our residents.” Emergency responders are currently inspecting buildings for structural damage. The city has advised residents to stay calm and follow any instructions from officials. Local businesses are slowly reopening after the quake. Most schools have been closed as a precaution while engineers evaluate any potential hazards. “It was pretty scary, but I’m relieved that it wasn’t worse,” said resident Sarah Jones. “We’re just glad everyone is safe.” The Pacific Northwest is located in a seismically active zone, and Portland has experienced several earthquakes in the past. Geologists say that while the recent quakes were significant, they are not unusual for the region. “Earthquakes are a fact of life in the Pacific Northwest,” said geologist Dave Petley. “It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place for when they occur.”