Prague couple recount 5.6 magnitude earthquake

PRAGUE, Okla. - Lincoln County Emergency Management officials spent the day assessing homes in Prague after a 5.6 magnitude earthquake rattled the town and much of Oklahoma.

More than a dozen homes sustained some damage to the structure even toppling some brick fireplaces, said Joey Wakefield, with Lincoln County Emergency Management.

From a distance homes appear unharmed, but as you take a closer look you can see structural damage from missing bricks and tilting walls.

"Wham! It wasn't just a sudden bang,” said Joe Reneau. “This house was rocking and rolling."

Joe and his wife Mary were getting ready for bed just before 11 p.m. when a second measurable earthquake hit in 24 hours.

"This horrible shaking started and we were hanging on to the dresser just to stand up,” Mary said. “It was really, really intense.”

The couple lived in their home for 25 years. They both say they never knew they lived on a fault line until Saturday.

“There was a chimney out there that went above the roofline of the house,” Mary said. " That chimney came crashing through their living room. Dishes, pictures, and souvenirs also shattered on the ground. Meanwhile, outside, water pipes burst. It's a house. It's just an inanimate thing, but this house has protected us, kept us safe, and harbored wonderful memories."

One of those memories is when granddaughter Mercedes lived in the house. Her space now serves as a dining room.

"Everything has their own sentimental value that me and my grandma have found," said Mercedes Osolin.

The Reneaus' say around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, about 25 Prague residents showed up at their home. Friends, neighbors and the Red Cross are still helping out.

"I just can't tell you how humbled I am at people's kindness and generosity. I just can't believe it," Mary said.