The number of earthquakes in Mississippi has seemingly been on the rise over recent months, but experts say there is little reason to be concerned.
On Monday, the U-S Geological Survey confirmed a two-point-six magnitude earthquake struck the area south of Canton, in Madison county around 1 p.m. The earthquake was considered minor and did not do apparent damage. But despite the quake’s low magnitude, state geologist Mike Bograd says the feeling can be unsettling.
"An earthquake can be a troubling thing to experience, it can be disconcerting if your dishes are rattling and maybe even pictures falling from the wall, but I don't think it's anything that people need to be unduly concerned about," Bograd says.
In total four earthquakes have struck Madison County since May, giving some the impression that seismic activity may be on the rise in the Magnolia State. However, Bograd believes there may be another explanation for why it seems like quakes are on the rise.
"Southern Madison County has a fairly large population and we also have a lot of people with access to social media, so any minor phenomenon that happens gets discussed and the information gets disseminated widely and rapidly."
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, individuals who find themselves in an earthquake should immediately stop, drop to the ground, find cover and hold on until the shaking stops.
