Residents across Quebec and Ontario were startled by the early morning tremors of a 4.1 magnitude earthquake as it rattled the Maniwaki area on December 29, 2024. According to Earthquakes Canada, the quake struck at exactly 8:02 a.m. and was centered approximately 75 kilometers northwest of Maniwaki.
The tremor was felt widely, with reports coming from as far as Pembroke and Montreal. Over 1,400 individuals reported experiencing the earthquake, noting sensations ranging from mild shaking to rumbling vibrations. A resident from Kanata expressed surprise at the experience, wondering aloud, "Did it wake me up?" Others described seeing snow cascading from rooftops and Christmas trees shaking as the earth shifted beneath them.
Natural Resources Canada confirmed through seismologist Stephen Crane, who noted, "Usually, earthquakes cause damage at about magnitude 5. So, it’s below the damage threshold we would expect.” Despite the quake being felt widely, no damage was reported, and authorities indicated none was anticipated.
The earthquake registered at a depth of 18 kilometers, which likely contributed to its widespread perception without damaging impacts. Crane pointed out the characteristics of the quake and explained, "This earthquake did occur in what we call the West Kazbek seismic zone... This area is known to produce significant earthquakes.”
Residents across various communities reported different intensities of shaking, with some noting light rattling similar to large trucks passing by, whereas others felt more substantial movements. Reports came from towns like Petawawa and Gatineau, with descriptions often expressing disbelief at the natural event. One resident from Rivière-Rouge remarked, stating, “Our home shook for what felt like about 15 seconds.”
Crane elaborated on the behavior of such earthquakes, affirming, “Aftershocks, if they were to occur, would likely be about magnitude 3, which typically wouldn’t be felt significantly by the public.” He also reassured residents about the rarity of significant damage from quakes of this size and indicated, “Today’s earthquake is not indicative of future shocks.”
This recent seismic event has sparked interest not only among residents but also within scientific circles, particularly concerning the implementation of the Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system by Natural Resources Canada. This early warning system, which will provide alerts to drop, cover, and hold on, is set to begin operations in Quebec and Ontario early next year. Crane stated this technology will enable quicker public response during seismic events, potentially aiding safety across the regions.
Crane explained, "(The system) will rapidly identify and detect earthquakes, then send alerts to users and the public about expected ground shaking.” He noted the system is currently operational only in western British Columbia, with plans for roll-out to eastern Ontario and southern Quebec by early 2025.
For individuals who felt the quake, Natural Resources Canada has made available the "Did you feel it?" report online, encouraging people to share their experiences to improve data collection about seismic activities. The feedback will help researchers understand the earthquake's impacts more thoroughly and improve public safety measures.
While no structural damage or injuries were reported, the event serves as a reminder for many about the fragility of living near seismic zones. The earthquake follows several larger seismic events recorded historically within the same region. The largest earthquake noted was of magnitude 5.2 occurring on May 17, 2013, which had similarly wide-ranging effects.
With this recent earthquake now behind, the communities are left to reflect on the rattling wake-up call from Mother Nature, one they had not anticipated but now remain ever cautious about as they prepare for the flurry of winter activities.