GALESBURG, Mich. - A preliminary 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Midwest Saturday with reports coming from as far away as Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
The epicenter of the quake was right here in West Michigan, about five miles south of Galesburg in Kalamazoo County, causing minor damage to businesses and homes.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff, Richard Fuller, said the 911 phone lines were overwhelmed when phone calls swamped his dispatchers at the time of the quake, hampering their operations.
"It sounded like elephants running down the street outside of our residence," said Sheriff Fuller.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 4.0 magnitude earthquake around 12:30 pm Saturday but then upgraded it to a 4.2 as reports of the quake rippled through several Midwestern states.
Charlie Tackett, Owner of Checkered Past Cycles, called Sheriff Fuller to investigate the infrastructure of his building.
"I've lived here my entire life and I've never experienced an earth quake like that," said Fuller.
The quake lasted for about ten seconds and was strong enough to cause minor damage to nearby businesses.
"We have a number of new large cracks in the cement block walls of the building," said Tackett.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's department assessed the damage and sent any new insights to the U.S. Geological Survey.
"The USGS will be able to take these photographs and put them with any other information to make a good report as to what's happened here," said Fuller.
No injuries have been reported at this time, but Sheriff Fuller encourages residents to evaluate their homes before any unknown problem rears it's ugly head.
"Do an inspection at your residence, make sure there's not some unknown damage that could cause a bigger problem," said Sheriff Fuller. "Do a visual of the power lines in your area and make sure they're all still up."
Emergency operation centers have not been activated but Sheriff Fuller confirms a gas line break at the Target Distribution Center in Galesburg.
