Earthquake Taxes D.C. EMS Crews

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In two hours Tuesday afternoon, emergency crews in the nation's capital handled 2,000 calls.

The calls for service started pouring into the emergency operations center following a 5.9 earthquake shook the Washington area.

"The injuries do not appear serious at this time," said PIO Pete Piringer. "Most were from people getting hit by debris."

While fire officials initiated its EOC, they had not called in mutual aid companies from outside the district as of 4 p.m. On a normal day, D.C. crews handle about 450 calls for service.

Piringer said the National Cathedral and the Old Soliders' Home suffered the most significant damage. He added that crews are still out assessing the conditions of buildings.

The Pentagon, Capitol and other federal buildings were evacuated sending people out into the streets.

Piringer described the streets as jammed, and urged people to wait before leaving the city if possible. Mass transit officials were inspecting tracks for damage.