October 12, 2011

Another strong aftershock has shaken the small town near the epicenter of August's 5.8-magnitude earthquake.

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 3.0-magnitude aftershock occurred at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday about 6 miles southwest of Mineral, the epicenter of the Aug. 23 tremor.

The aftershock prompted a brief evacuation of Louisa County Middle School. Students and staff exited the building following the LCPS earthquake and aftershock drill. Everyone has since been allowed to re-enter the school.

It was the 41st aftershock to shake the area since the quake.

Aftershocks are smaller tremors that take place in the weeks and possibly months following a major earthquake.