On Monday morning, a magnitude 3.8 earthquake rocked York Harbor, Maine, sending tremors through several states, including Massachusetts. The quake’s epicenter, reported by the U.S. Geological Survey, was located just southeast of York Harbor, approximately 6.8 miles away. This natural event had people across New England, particularly in Boston, feeling the ground shake, leading to brief moments of alarm.
What’s Happening?
The earthquake struck at 10:22 a.m. and was initially thought to be more intense, with an early report suggesting a magnitude of 4.1. However, after further analysis, scientists confirmed the quake at 3.8 magnitude. People from Boston to Portland, Maine, reported feeling the tremors, causing some to describe the sensation as “like a truck was hitting our building.” Such experiences can be startling, especially for residents and kids who may never have felt anything like it before!
Reports of Shaking Across New England
- Shaking felt in cities from Boston, Massachusetts, to Maine, extending to parts of New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
- Local emergency agencies in various states reported no significant damage or injuries, which is good news for everyone.
- Residents in Maine were advised to avoid calling 911 unless genuinely emergencies arose.
- Massachusetts officials confirmed they received shaking reports but emphasized no physical damage occurred and reassured the public about safety.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted that tremors were felt there too, but there was no damage to report.
What Caused the Earthquake?
As many may know, earthquakes are more common on the West Coast of the United States. In fact, they occur much less frequently on the East Coast, where we saw this quake. According to Susan Hough, a USGS seismologist, typically minor tremors strike this area every few years, but the ones that can cause considerable damage are very rare. Seeing as this event registered low on the magnitude scale, it likely didn’t lead to any structural issues.
Understanding Earthquakes in New England
Earthquakes can feel frightening, especially if you’re not used to them. This kind of shaking is generally seen as part of the region’s seismic activity. Historically, New England experiences an earthquake every few decades that can cause moderate damage. For example, there was a magnitude 5.6 quake in 1940 that affected central New Hampshire.
Preparing for Earthquakes
It’s always a great idea to be prepared! Even if earthquakes are less common in places like Boston, it’s smart to know what to do if one occurs. Here are some tips:
- Drop down onto your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- If you’re in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
- Once the shaking stops, advance carefully to a safe location.
Conclusion: A Reminder of Nature’s Power
While it may not have caused any serious harm, this earthquake serves as a gentle reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability. Being aware and prepared is the best way to stay safe during natural events, and learning about the earth around us can transform these moments from fear into understanding. So next time the ground shakes, remember that there are ways to stay safe and calm!
