Two nuclear reactors shut down automatically in the state of Virginia after a 5.9-strong earthquake hit Washington on Tuesday and tremors reached New York, federal officials said.
The nuclear fuel containers at the North Anna Power Station are being cooled off by four power generators.
Media reports said earlier in the day that the state of Virginia, including Washington D.C., had been struck by the earthquake. Some State Department officials were evacuated along with staff in the Pentagon, some ministries and Congress.
New York television stations said tremors in the city could be felt in Times Square. People in the Supreme Court of New York and City Hall have been evacuated.
Washington was struck by an earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale a year ago. There were no victims or damage.
Earthquakes are common on the east coast but this earthquake is one of the most powerful ever seen in the area.
