On a seemingly normal Monday morning, the residents of New England had a surprise that shook things up quite literally! A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck near York Harbor, Maine, around 10:22 a.m., sending tremors all the way to Boston and even parts of New Hampshire and Rhode Island. This earthquake was no small event, and while some might think of an earthquake as something that happens far away, this one hit very close to home.
Where Did the Earthquake Happen?
The epicenter of this quake was about 6.8 miles off the coast of York Harbor, which is situated around 45 miles from Portland, Maine. This location is crucial as it helps explain how the earthquake’s vibrations traveled across such a large area, reaching places like Boston. People in various cities, including New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island, felt the shaking, which was exciting and maybe a little scary for some!
How Did People React?
Witness accounts added a personal touch to the news of the earthquake. Amelia Nadilo, a resident near the epicenter, described the feeling of shaking like “a truck was hitting our building.” People ran outside or quickly called family and friends to check on each other. Fortunately, officials from both Massachusetts and Maine reported no injuries or significant damage, so while it was a startling experience, everyone remained safe.
Are Earthquakes Common on the East Coast?
Earthquakes are indeed rare on the East Coast compared to places like California, where tremors happen more often. Seismologist Susan Hough explained that this earthquake was likely unrelated to another quake in New Jersey experienced just days earlier. She noted that East Coast earthquakes tend to be smaller and less frequent, though they can still be felt over larger areas. In fact, New England sees several small earthquakes every year, but most of them are too tiny to notice.
No Tsunami Threat
While earthquakes can sometimes cause tsunamis, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center was quick to reassure the public that there was no tsunami threat following this earthquake. This is good news for everyone living along the coast who might have been worried about additional dangers after feeling the ground shake.
What Can We Learn?
This earthquake might serve as a reminder for everyone living in New England about the importance of being prepared in case of future seismic events. It might be helpful to learn some basic earthquake safety tips, like how to drop, cover, and hold on in case of shaking. Talking with family about what to do in an emergency also ensures everyone knows how to stay safe.
Further Actions and Information
If homeowners felt the shaking, local emergency agencies encouraged them to check their homes for any damage and help their neighbors as needed. Emergency teams across Massachusetts and Maine worked diligently, gathering reports and assuring the public that emergency lines should be kept clear for actual emergencies.
Onlookers even captured the moment on video, showing beach cameras on York Harbor Beach wobbling back and forth as the quake occurred, giving everyone a peek into a moment that won’t be forgotten soon!
Final Thoughts on the Shaking
Overall, while the earthquake might have startled many, it also highlighted the importance of community and readiness. New England has its share of natural events, and this quake is just one example of the fascinating and sometimes unpredictable world we live in. For now, residents can take a deep breath, check on one another, and appreciate the calm that follows after such a surprising shake-up.
