National Guard Conducts Earthquake Response Training At Camp Gruber

National guard members from five states are at Camp Gruber near Braggs for training to prepare in case a major earthquake strikes the region.

Soldiers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Louisiana and Texas are taking part in the exercise called "Vigilant Guard."

The guards members will participate in training for a catastrophic event that simulates a 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurring along the New Madrid fault in Northeast Arkansas and northward into other states.

Guard officials say the soldiers will use specialized equipment and practice rescue and recovery operations in piles of rubble and collapsed building structures at the Muskogee County facility.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.