Sparta is still rebuilding a year after the earthquake that rocked a small North Carolina town :: WRAL.com

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by WXII

Sparta, NC – Just after 8 a.m. on August 9, 2020, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake shook the city of Sparta, North Carolina. A year later, its effect can still be felt.

“It was really bad,” said Diane Norris. “It smashed our basement walls, on all four sides. It twisted the house where you can’t close the doors.”

She and her husband, Ronnie Norris, have been staying at a friend’s house for nearly a year as they are still waiting for the repairs to be completed in their home.

Ghanaian County Emergency Management Coordinator Daniel Rutten says Norris is not alone.

“Our initial damage estimate came in at about $15 million, which is an astronomical number for such a small community,” he said. “Unfortunately we have already crossed that number.”

Sparta Mayor Wes Bringar has asked the state for an additional $9 million to continue rebuilding efforts.

One of the hardest hit places was the local VFW. The damage was so devastating that the building, built by World War II veterans, was threatened with conviction.

Thanks to community support, the VFW Post has been rebuilt, with a refurbished kitchen and museum in the basement.

Brinegar calls it an inspiration.

“You see their determination to rebuild and stay here. We are committed to being here. That’s all there is to it,” he said. “They love it here. This is a great place to live, to raise your family, to enjoy life in a free America. That’s what we’re about here.”

In the 365 days since the earthquake, Sparta has measured more than 300 aftershocks, none of which have been as devastating as the original earthquake.

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