Earthquake Rattles Northeast U.S.

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, April 22, 2002

Earthquake Rattles Northeast U.S.

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An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 shook the Northeast awake early Saturday, collapsing roads in New York and rattling homes from Maine to Maryland. No injuries were immediately reported.

The quake, centered 15 miles southwest of Plattsburgh, N.Y., left cracks in foundations and chimneys throughout the region, said Ray Thatcher, director of emergency services for Essex County.

Gov. George Pataki declared states of emergency in Essex and Clinton counties in northeastern New York. State inspectors were sent to the Adirondack region to examine roads and bridges for structural damage. The state Department of Environmental Conservation inspected all the dams in the area and found no damage.

State troopers also were sent to provide help to local law enforcement officers. No restrictions were placed on travel, but police were urging drivers to use caution.

In the nearby hamlet of Jay, some 3,000 residents had their power restored Saturday evening after the earthquake caused an explosion that disrupted a New York State Electric & Gas substation, sending sparks into the sky and cutting power earlier in the day, Essex County Deputy Sheriff Paul Benway said.

The quake broke off a 100-foot section from one road in Ausable, said David Fessette, highway construction supervisor for Clinton County. A crew was filling the area in with limestone Saturday afternoon. Parts of at least two other roads collapsed, and there were several water main breaks in the area.

Final damage and cost assessments remained unknown Saturday night, Benway said.

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