Sunday, August 23, 2026

Question: After the Aug. 23, 2011 earthquake, what was the second-strongest earthquake to ever hit Virginia?

Answer: The second-strongest earthquake to hit Virginia was the May 31, 1897, event in Giles County. With a magnitude of 5.8 and maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of VIII, it was the largest in intensity and areal extent prior to the 2011 Mineral earthquake, causing widespread chimney damage and spring disruptions across multiple states.