A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck the Laurentides region of Quebec on March 19, 2025, around 11:57 AM, captivating the attention of residents across nearby areas without causing any reported damage. The quake was centered approximately 17 km west of L'Annonciation, with its epicenter located at a depth of 18 km, according to Séismes Canada.
The tremor resonated through the air for several long seconds, prompting residents to take to social media to share their experiences. "Ce petit tremblement de terre a duré assez longtemps, il me semble," remarked cultural journalist Thérèse Parisien on platform X, echoing the sentiments of many who felt the unexpected jolt disrupt their daily routines. Another resident, author Guy Gendron, commented, "Ça vient de brasser pas mal, avec un bruit sourd qui a duré une dizaine de secondes," highlighting the intensity and sound of the quake that lingered in the memories of those who experienced it firsthand.
This seismic event was felt as far away as Gatineau and Ottawa, regions over 100 kilometers from the epicenter. Many individuals reported to Séismes Canada the sensation of the earth shaking beneath them, confirming the widespread reach of the earthquake. Fortunately, no significant damages or injuries have been reported, with government officials stating, "Il n'y a aucun rapport de dommages, et aucun ne serait prévu," while also assuring residents of the low-risk factors associated with earthquake occurrences in the province.
Seismologists noted that such earthquakes are rare in Quebec, particularly those exceeding a magnitude of 5.0. The last notable earthquake recorded was in 2013 near Campbell's Bay in Outaouais. Quebec is generally characterized by low seismic activity, where most quakes are of minor intensity, lasting only a few seconds, and rarely causing physical destruction. It is part of the predominantly stable geological region that the province sits on, with the primary seismic zones located in Charlevoix-Kamouraska, western Quebec, and the Lower Saint Lawrence and North Shore.
This incident serves as a reminder of the earth's unpredictable nature, even in regions where major seismic events are less common. While the event caused alarm, it also sparked conversations about preparedness and community resilience. With local authorities and citizens sharing their experiences, social media became a hub for discussing everything from the immediate shock to the broader implications of living in a region with dormant seismic activity.
Given that many residents found refuge in their community forums to describe their experiences, the earthquake, though mild in the scheme of geological events, succeeded in unifying the region under a shared moment of levity and concern. As residents left comments on Facebook pages about the tremor and sought out information regarding its impact, there was a palpable community spirit that attended the event.
Looking ahead, residents are reminded that while the state conducts regular safety drills and educational outreach regarding natural disasters, a significant part of community resilience involves personal preparedness and knowledge of best practices in the event of a natural disaster. This earthquake, relatively benign in outcome, could serve as a wake-up call for residents to ensure they are aware of safety protocols should a more severe event occur in the future.
As the dust settles and life resumes its typical rhythm, the residents of Quebec find reassurance in the measured response from experts at Séismes Canada, who emphasize that earthquake risks remain low in the area. While the tremor was felt deeply, the shared experiences from the community—notably those who captured the moment through social media—indicate a solidarity that underscores the human spirit's capacity to connect in times of uncertainty.
