New England experienced notable seismic activity on Monday morning when a 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast, causing tremors felt across several states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The quake occurred at approximately 10:22 AM local time, with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers southeast of York Harbor, Maine, at a depth of eight miles underground, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Residents reported feeling the ground shake for about five to ten seconds, prompting immediate reactions throughout the region. "It was brief, 5-8 seconds, but my entire house shook and I had couple loud bangs. It was pretty intense for something so small and brief," one Massachusetts resident recounted to WCVB. Another shared, "My husband came out of his office right away and asked, ‘Was there a tremor?’”
This earthquake is particularly significant as it marks the strongest seismic event along the northeastern U.S. since April of the previous year, when New Jersey experienced a 4.8-magnitude quake. John Ebel, a senior scientist at Boston College’s Weston Observatory, described it as "like a once-in-every-five-years type of earthquake.” Smaller tremors, albeit common, typically occur at lower magnitudes; Maine has only recorded approximately one earthquake of such magnitude each year.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) confirmed there were no damages or injuries reported as of 10:50 AM local time, echoing similar updates from agencies across New England. Emergency management officials from Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island also affirmed there were no reports of serious impacts, stating the importance of avoiding unnecessary calls to emergency services after the quake.
Many residents initially confused the shaking for explosions. A police dispatcher remarked during the aftermath, “We’re getting calls from all over town about an explosion.” This response reflects the level of surprise and initial panic triggered by the earthquake, as communities are not as frequently exposed to seismic events compared to more earthquake-prone regions.
Social media buzzed with reactions from across New England, with people from cities and towns far and wide sharing their experiences. One follower from Rowley described feeling "a loud pop" akin to the sound of something heavy falling, underscoring the startling nature of the event.
While the earthquake had the potential for aftershocks, experts indicated they would likely be smaller and would not significantly impact the area. "If the aftershocks get to be, you know, magnitude 2.8, 3.0, or so, they will probably be felt by people on the North Shore, as well as coastal New Hampshire and southern coastal Maine,” Ebel noted.
Authorities reassured the public about the absence of tsunami risks following the quake, with the National Weather Service confirming there were no tsunami watches or warnings issued. This kind of preparedness is particularly relevant as seismic events can sometimes spur concern over potential tsunamis, particularly after strong quakes.
Historically, earthquakes are not commonly recorded along the Atlantic Seaboard due to the region's geological structure. "Earthquakes are unusual but not heard of along the Atlantic Seaboard," remarked USGS representatives, providing insight to the rarity of such occurrences.
Despite the absence of physical damage reported, the emotional impact of the quake lingered among residents, leading them to stay alert for aftershocks or unusual activity. The seismic event served as a reminder for communities to review earthquake safety protocols. The MEMA advised everyone to "drop, cover, and hold on for safety," a mantra aimed at minimizing injuries during such unexpected occurrences.
With state agencies actively monitoring the situation and gathering reports from the public, this earthquake sheds light on New England's preparedness for such rare but impactful geological events. The region's ability to respond quickly and effectively could be seen as pivotal should larger tremors occur in the future.