CHICAGO, April 18, 2008 - Impact Forecasting, LLC, a unit of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC), released the following update regarding today's earthquake in Illinois.  For more information, or to subscribe to Impact Forecasting's weekly "Cat Alerts" and get breaking news about global meteorological events, visit http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=63&item=209.


A moderate earthquake rattled portions of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri early this morning, causing skyscrapers to sway in downtown Chicago and people to awaken as far north as Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Only minor damage has been reported and no fatalities or injuries have been reported.
The magnitude 5.2 quake occurred at 4:37 am CDT and was centered just north-northeast of Bellmont, Illinois, or 128 miles (206 kilometers) east of St. Louis, Missouri.  The tremor was centered 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers) from the earth’s surface.  

Only minor damage was reported near the epicenter, with local law enforcement departments reporting nothing more serious than brick facades slightly damaged, objects knocked off walls and out of shelves, though there was one report of a porch collapse.  However, the quake was felt hundreds of miles away.  The quake shook skyscrapers in Chicago's Loop, 230 miles (370 kilometers) north of the epicenter, as well as in downtown Indianapolis, about 160 miles (260 kilometers) northeast of the epicenter.  Air traffic was halted for an hour at Indianapolis International Airport while the control tower was evacuated.

Media Contact: Rahsaan Johnson, 312.381.2684.