Ohio earthquake triggers 911 calls, but not damage

A 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Ohio on Wednesday afternoon. It was enough to rattle some shelves and desks, but likely not strong enough to do damage, an expert said. 

The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting that a mild earthquake has shaken residents in southeastern Ohio.

The agency says the 3.5-magnitude quake occurred close to 1 p.m. Wednesday. The epicenter was about 2 miles southeast of the town of Nelsonville in Athens County.

The county's emergency management agency says it received a number of 911 calls about the event but no immediate reports of damage.

Geophysicist John Bellini described the quake as "light." He says people in the area might have felt a quick jolt, while some unstable items could have fallen from desks or shelves.

He says earthquakes must register at a 4.5 magnitude to cause any significant damage.

Ohio University, in nearby Athens, says its campus felt the earthquake but there was no damage to facilities reported.