As of 4:30 p.m., the Annapolis police and fire departments reported no injuries from Tuesday’s 5.9 earthquake.
However, officials from both departments reported structural damage to some buildings in the city—including chimney damage at bar on Dock Street and a partial roof collapse at the on Forest Drive. Those areas, in addition to portions of Main and Duke of Gloucester streets, were blocked off to residents and visitors by yellow caution tape.
“The older structures typically are what we’re seeing trouble with,” said Battalion Chief John Menassa of the Annapolis Fire Department (AFD). Menassa said the damage that’s been reported has primarily been minor.
As of 5 p.m., a portion of Dock Street was blocked off to passersby to prevent danger from falling pieces due to the damaged chimney at Armadillo's. Detective Amy Miguez of the Annapolis Police Department (APD) said the Safeway had been inspected and was expected to re-open.
Jane Campbell-Chambliss, who owns three Dock Street businesses including , which is next door to Armadillo's, said she has lived here all her life and has never seen anything like this. She was inside a building on Dock Street when the earthquake occurred.
She said her thoughts initially went to Sept. 11, thinking there had been an attack.
“And I’m thinking, what was that? And I thought, we’ve been invaded again, but Mother Nature was the invader this time,” she said.
At 2 p.m., the city of Annapolis activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Taylor Avenue. City government is currently running out of that building and anyone with non-emergency inquiries should call the EOC number at 410-260-2211.
Residents are also encouraged to report any damage to that number.
“We are focusing on public safety and keeping public order,” said Mayor Josh Cohen in a press release. “We continue to assess damage and Police Chief Pristoop has called in additional officers to respond to calls and help with traffic control.”
Officials from both the APD and AFD said their efforts today have to keep people away from damaged buildings until their safety can be assessed by inspectors.
For more information, visit the city's website.
Editor's Note: This article was updated at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to add additional photos.
