Third earthquake in one week reported in the North Carolina mountains

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 2.0-magnitude earthquake happened 11 miles west-northwest of Bryson City.

Posted 3:21 a.m. Apr 8 — Updated 3:50 p.m. Apr 9

WRAL staff

Geologists on Sunday reported an earthquake in western North Carolina.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 2.0-magnitude earthquake happened around 3:44 a.m. 11 miles west-northwest of Bryson City.

No one was injured, and no buildings were damaged.

It is, however, the third small earthquake in a week reported in western North Carolina. There were two earthquakes a week prior in North Carolina, just minutes apart.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the first earthquake happened Saturday, March 30, at 11:48 p.m., and the second earthquake happened just minutes later on Sunday, March 31, at 12:22 a.m.

How common are earthquakes in North Carolina?

With the unusual amount of seismic activity this month, many are wondering: How common are earthquakes in NC, and how often do they cause damage, injuries - or even loss of life?

Rumbling mountains: History of major earthquakes in North Carolina

Damage-causing earthquakes are very rare in North Carolina; however, the state has faced a handful of memorable and powerful quakes that have been largely forgotten by history.

Dating back to 1735, there have been 22 damage-causing earthquakes in North Carolina -- with the most damaging earthquakes taking place in 1861, 1886, 1916 and 1926.

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