Gov. Blagojevich activates State Emergency Operations Center after earthquake centered in southeastern Illinois

SEOC receiving reports of minor damage in affected area

[April 18, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- Shortly after an early morning earthquake centered in Wabash County in southeastern Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich directed the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield to assess the impact. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was reported to be six miles east of West Salem, near the Edward County and Wabash County line. After activating early this morning, the SEOC began receiving initial reports of minor damage in southern Illinois.

At 4:37 a.m., a 5.2 magnitude earthquake was reported, with shaking felt throughout Illinois. Personnel from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation have staff in southern Illinois assessing damage.

"The State Emergency Operations Center is in contact with officials throughout southern Illinois to get information about the impact of the earthquake," Blagojevich said. "Fortunately, at this point, the damage reported appears to be minor. We are prepared to offer any assistance needed."

Representatives from Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois National Guard, Central Management Services, Illinois Department of Agriculture, the secretary of state's and attorney general's offices, and the American Red Cross reported to the SEOC early this morning.

Information about the earthquake and preparedness information is available on the Ready Illinois site at www.ready.illinois.gov.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]