WATERVILLE, Wash. – A small earthquake shook parts of Douglas County late Tuesday night, with residents in Waterville and surrounding areas reporting light shaking. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a magnitude 2.5 quake struck about 4 kilometers northwest of Waterville at a shallow depth of 1.7 kilometers.
According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, the earthquake occurred at 7:41 p.m. local time Tuesday, sending brief tremors through the Waterville Plateau and as far south as Wenatchee. The shallow depth likely made the shaking more noticeable despite the quake’s minor size.
Early reports from residents to the “Did You Feel It?” survey indicate light vibration but no damage or injuries. Shaking was most noticeable in older structures and higher floors in Waterville. Emergency officials say quakes of this size are generally not damaging but serve as a reminder of the region’s seismic risks.
Authorities recommend residents review emergency kits, secure loose items on shelves, and be aware of earthquake safety practices such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Seismologists will continue monitoring aftershocks, though none have been reported as of early Wednesday.
