A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck New England early on Monday morning, causing notable shaking from Boston, Massachusetts, to Portland, Maine, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 7 miles southeast of York Harbor, Maine, at a depth of about 8 miles.
Witnessing the tremors was Amelia Nadilo, executive director of York Land Trust, who experienced intense shaking described as feeling like “the furnace was blowing up, a truck was hitting our building and our solar panels were falling off – all at the same time.” Nadilo, who was near the quake’s epicenter, expressed her surprise at the event, saying it was a startling experience that lasted “10 to 15 seconds.”
The York County Emergency Management Agency issued a precautionary message, advising residents to avoid calling 911 unless facing an emergency. “We can confirm that a small earthquake occurred at 10:22 am. Shaking was felt countywide,” they communicated via social media, reassuring the public that no further risk remained.
Nadilo emphasized the need for businesses, schools, and residents to implement safety protocols for earthquakes in light of this unexpected tremor. “To have one of those in Maine was pretty shocking. We certainly do not have an earthquake plan or protocol, so that’s something that we should consider,” she remarked.
USGS seismologist Susan Hough clarified that this earthquake is unrelated to the recent magnitude 2.4 quake felt in northern New Jersey and New York City, explaining the distance of approximately 230 miles between the two epicenters indicates no direct relation. Hough noted that the Atlantic Seaboard is a passive plate boundary, leading to smaller and less frequent quakes compared to the more active seismic zones on the West Coast.
Statistically, such seismic activity can increase the likelihood of further tremors. “Earthquake activity increases the chances of more activity – you’ve disturbed the crust,” Hough explained. The USGS highlighted that moderately damaging earthquakes occur in New England every few decades, with smaller tremors being felt approximately twice a year.
The last significant earthquake in this area, which caused moderate damage, was a magnitude 5.6 quake that impacted central New Hampshire in 1940.
This recent quake serves not only as a reminder of the region’s seismic potential but also highlights the importance of preparedness and safety planning in communities that may not typically experience such events. While this earthquake may have caused alarm, it also offers an opportunity for heightened awareness and proactive measures in terms of earthquake readiness.