Aftershocks continue in region

WEST SALEM, Ill. -- The number of aftershocks linked to last week's earthquake continues to grow.

The U.S. Geological Survey says 22 aftershocks have been recorded since last week's 5.2-magnitude temblor with its epicenter near West Salem in Edwards County.

The aftershocks include one just before 12:40 a.m. Monday that registered a 4.0 magnitude at its epicenter northwest of Mount Carmel. That temblor, in the same area as Friday's earthquake, had been reported as 4.5 before being downgraded.

The strongest aftershock hit about 5 1/2 hours after Friday's quake and registered a 4.6-magnitude.

None of the eleven aftershocks since then with epicenters in Illinois have been that strong.

The latest earthquakes, though felt by people living in Cape Girardeau County did not warrant inspection, according to city and county emergency management officials.

-- From staff and wire reports