Chronicle Staff

SHEPHERDSTOWN – At approximately 1:51 p.m., EST, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake, with an epicenter in Mineral, Va., occurred, with tremors reaching along the east coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Mineral is located about 50 miles northwest of Richmond, Va.

Tremors were felt up and down the east coast, with reports coming from the Eastern Panhandle communities including Shepherdstown, Charles Town, Martinsburg, Inwood and Berkeley Springs.

At Shepherd University, officials released the following statement via social networks and the university’s homepage after the earthquake:

“Earthquake announcement: University administrators are inspecting all buildings to ensure safety. Classes will continue as scheduled unless otherwise announced.”