3.1-magnitude quake hits near Silverton

SILVERTON, Ore. (AP) – No injuries or property damage have been reported following a 3.1-magnitude earthquake near the Oregon state capital.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the earthquake hit about 4 miles southwest of Silverton at 8:45 p.m. Saturday.

Some nearby residents said they felt the earthquake, which also struck near the state capital city of Salem.

In nearby Mollala, northeast of this site, a magnitude 4.0 quake also hit last December.

Experts have said for years that Oregon and the Pacific Northwest are due for a catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher.