Minor earthquake hits in Ohio

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio (AP) — Parts of three states have been shaken by a minor earthquake centered in southern Ohio.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports the 3.4 magnitude quake occurred around 9:45 a.m. Friday. Michael Hansen, coordinator of the Ohio Seismic Network, says the epicenter was near Gallipolis (gal-ih-puh-LEES’), about 90 miles south of Columbus.

Staffers at the Gallia County 911 center thought a vehicle had hit their building and ran outside. Center director Steve Wilson says they quickly received 170 calls from rattled residents.

The government says reports of weak to light shaking have come from as far away as the Columbus suburbs, as well as areas in West Virginia and Kentucky.

Hansen says the network has received about 300 e-mails from people who felt the quake. There were no reports of damage.

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