FIRST PERSON | It almost felt like vertigo this afternoon. There was a low rumble and things began to shake. Was it a jet flying too low? Construction upstairs? But there was no loud roar of a jet engine, no banging or clanging associated with construction. The swaying continued for what seemed like minutes (but was probably 30 seconds or less). I felt like the entire building was on a jumbo cruise ship navigating choppy waters.
We were experiencing an earthquake.
“Get under your desk!” someone exclaimed.
After the swaying subsided, we looked out the windows of our 11-story office building. Down below, people were pouring out of buildings.
“We’d better go outside.”
I joined the ranks of everyone else in the building dutifully marching down the stairs. Once outside, it didn’t seem like we would be any safer. Surrounded by dozens of high-rise office buildings, if the buildings crumbled, we would be smashed with debris.
But no one seemed to know what to do. Everyone was checking their mobile devices trying to find news of what had happened and what to do next. Phone lines were jammed as people tried to communicate to loved ones and friends.
“They’re saying it was a 5.9.”
“I heard it was felt up to New York.”
Sirens rang out in the distance; a military cargo plane flew low overhead. This was not just another day at the office.
Eventually we were given the all clear to return to our building, where everyone continued to discuss what just happened. The possibility of aftershocks is the latest topic of discussion for those who haven’t left for home already.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the worst is over and we won’t have any greater damage.
I guess an earthquake is one way to shake things up in our nation’s capital.