A 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Maine on Monday morning, shaking parts of the region including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred just before 10:30 a.m. ET, with its epicenter located approximately 45 miles southwest of Portland, near York Harbor.
Fortunately, the National Weather Service has not issued any tsunami watches, and there have been no confirmed instances of fatalities or significant damage linked to the quake. Residents in the affected areas felt light to moderate shaking, and the Maine Emergency Management Agency urged those who experienced the tremors to report their observations to the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
According to forecasts from the USGS, there is a 15% likelihood of experiencing at least one aftershock of magnitude 3 or higher within the upcoming week. This earthquake marks the strongest seismic event in the northeastern United States since an April incident near Lebanon, New Jersey, which registered a magnitude of 4.8. That event was noted as the most powerful in over a decade for the region, highlighting the unusual nature of seismic activity along the Atlantic Seaboard.
Despite its rarity, the occurrence serves as a reminder that earthquakes can happen in the Northeast, a region not particularly geared for seismic events. Experts affirm the importance of preparedness and awareness, especially as the shaking can lead to damage even when it is considered minor.
This recent seismic activity underscores the need for continued vigilance and readiness. As communities in the Northeast learn to better respond to these infrequent but impactful events, it fosters a stronger sense of safety and resilience.
In summary, this earthquake serves as a prompt for enhanced awareness and preparedness for unexpected seismic events in regions that historically experience little earthquake activity. Such reminders can help communities build resilience against potential future occurrences.