Aftershocks continue to rattle northwest NC, making earthquake cleanup more difficult

Several aftershocks were reported in Alleghany County on Monday following the 5.1-magnitude earthquake that shook northwest North Carolina on Sunday morning.

Posted 5:23 p.m. Aug 10, 2020 — Updated 4:22 a.m. Aug 11, 2020

Joe Fisher

, WRAL multimedia journalist

SPARTA, N.C. — Several aftershocks were reported in Alleghany County on Monday following the 5.1-magnitude earthquake that shook northwest North Carolina on Sunday morning.

The quake caused widespread minor damage, from broken chimneys to foundation cracks. According to the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office, more than 100 homes and businesses were damaged.

County officials have asked residents to report all damage as the county tries to determine whether it can qualify for state or federal disaster relief.

The VFW Post 7034 in Sparta sustained about $75,000 in damage, according to post commander Doug Blevins.

“This is a major corner crack here, and structurally, that is a concern," Blevins said of a floor-to-ceiling crack along one wall.

As he surveyed damage to the 73-year-old building, he pointed out gouges in ceiling tiles next to mounted ceiling fans.

"Every one of them fans did the same thing – approximately 2 inches this building shifted back and forth," he said.

Sparta, which was the epicenter of the quake, is about 54 miles northwest of Winston-Salem and about 27 miles west of Mount Airy.

According to officials and social media posts, people felt the effects of the earthquake across the Carolinas, in Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee.

No injuries were reported.

“I thought it was either a plane crashing into the house or an explosion," VFW member Clark Hunter said of the earthquake.

The quake, the most powerful one in North Carolina in more than a century, also toppled tables and opened cabinets in the VFW building, knocking over mementos of military service and sending dishes crashing to the floor.

“It’s sad to see, and a lot of people have their interest in this thing," Blevins said. “These men, they didn’t come back home and sit down. They came back home and worked, and they worked for their community, and that’s something I’m proud of."

“This is kind of like the home you grew up in. The last thing you want to do is see it destroyed," said Thomas Owens, a past VFW post commander.

Leaders said they are confident the tight-knit community will help the VFW post get back on its feet.

“This post is a centerpiece of this town," Blevins said.

“One thing about this community, if it can be fixed, they’ll all come together," Hunter said.

“It has to be sufficient enough to where this will continue far into the future," Owens said.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 15 quakes have been recorded since Saturday, with the most recent at 5:30 p.m. Monday Most of them were too weak to feel.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey visited Alleghany County on Monday to assess the damage. He noted that earthquake damage isn't typically covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies, which means that most residents will have to pay for repairs out of pocket.

For those who want to help VFW Post 7034, donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1838, Sparta, NC 28675, or they can email Blevins at dboatb@aol.com.

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