HAZARD — You’re not wrong if you thought that few seconds of shaking just past noon on Saturday was an earthquake. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, that’s exactly what it was.

A 4.3 magnitude quake, centered just west of Whitesburg, struck the region at 12:08 p.m. Saturday, according to the USGS. Reports made to the USGS website note that the tremors were felt as far south as northern Georgia, and as far north as central Ohio.

Chuck Russell with the Hazard Fire Department noted that the quake was clearly felt in the downtown area.

There have been several posts on the social media site Facebook reporting structural damage such as cracked ceilings or walls, or items being rattled from shelves. Brenda Cornett of Perry County noted that cracks formed in her walls during the tremor.

Hazard Fire Chief Sam Stacy advises homeowners to check for gas leaks, and if natural gas odors are present or any leaks detected, call 911 or the Hazard Police Department and they can contact the gas company. The Hazard Police Department can be reached at 436-2222.

Stacy told WYMT-TV in Hazard that city officials have received reports of water and gas line breaks.

The initial USGS report of the quake is currently online here: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usc000dqhx#summary

Here's a map on the USGS website marking reports where the quake was felt:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/se111012a#dyfi