BYU reporting no damage after historic earthquake shakes Utah

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Construction workers looks at the rubble from a building after an earthquake Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Salt Lake City. A 5.7-magnitude earthquake has shaken the city and many of its suburbs. The quake sent panicked residents running to the streets, knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes and closed the city’s airport and its light rail system. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Utah continues to feel aftershocks after a 5.7 earthquake struck Wednesday morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquakes following have been of smaller magnitudes. Their epicenter has been near Magna, Utah.

University of Utah’s Seismograph Stations hasn’t reported an earthquake of this magnitude since 1992, when a 5.8 earthquake struck St. George.

Utahns as far south as Provo felt the quake. BYU reported via Twitter that initial surveys of the campus did not show any damage. Neither BYU or Provo Police could be reached for comment.

The statue of Moroni on the top of the Salt Lake City Temple has lost its trumpet since the earthquake. Daniel Woodruff, media relations manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the renovations being made to the temple could not have come at a better time.

“The Salt Lake Temple, which is undergoing a seismic upgrade, sustained some minor damage during Wednesday morning’s earthquake,” he said. “This event emphasizes why this project is so necessary to preserve this historic building and create a safer environment for all our patrons and visitors.”

Woodruff said no workers were injured, but steps have been taken to ensure safety. “Crews on the job site have been sent home for the day, and a full assessment is underway to determine needs going forward,” he said.

Herriman saw one of its relatively new schools, Silver Crest Elementary, crack.

The Salt Lake Airport has closed, reporting flooding in the area.

At around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, Utah Transit Authority pulled all the TRAX trains into their nearest stations and halted service. TRAX did experience power outages following the quake. By 9 a.m. all trains were running “at restricted speeds.” Buses ran on schedule all morning and continue to do so.

The University of Utah canceled all classes including online classes in light of the earthquake. This was announced in an emergency alert sent to students, faculty and staff.

“Crews are working on a gas leak at the Madsen Health Center and evaluating structural damage at the Sugarhouse Health Center,” it read. “Those buildings are currently closed.”

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