The northeastern United States was shaken by a 3.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday morning, with its epicenter located less than ten miles east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The tremor, which occurred at 10:22 AM, sent residents across New Hampshire and parts of neighboring Maine scrambling for safety and making urgent calls to emergency services. Reports indicated the earthquake originated about 6.5 miles off the coast of York Harbor, Maine, at a depth of 13.2 kilometers, as per initial reports from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Initial measurements from the USGS listed the quake’s magnitude at 4.1, but they later revised it down to 3.8. Despite the adjustment, the shaking was felt widely across the state, as residents from various areas, including Rochester, Dover, Manchester, and even as far west as Claremont, reported significant jostling and rattling of their surroundings.
“The whole house began to shake,” said Brian Riccio of Exeter. “The bottles on the wall were starting to rattle. Honestly, it was quite frightening.” This echoes sentiments from many who found their daily routines disrupted by the unexpected seismic activity.
Witness accounts attested to the intensity and alarm of the situation. One diner at The Friendly Toast restaurant described the moment: “We were enjoying our breakfast, and suddenly, all of us kind of looked up. We thought it was a truck going by, but it just didn’t end.” Meanwhile, others who were outdoors were initially oblivious to the quake’s impact. A man walking in Kittery shared, “Did you guys hear the boom and the shake?” prompting surprise among his companions.
Emergency officials received a flood of 911 calls after the quake, primarily from York, Maine, where residents initially reported hearing what sounded like explosions. Fire department responders were dispatched to investigate these reports but found no immediate concerns to address.
Seabrook Station Nuclear Plant, located near the epicenter, confirmed there was no impact as well. Lindsay Robertson, senior communication strategist for NextEra Energy Communications, stated, “The earthquake recorded near York, Maine did not impact Seabrook Station Nuclear Plant. There was no risk to the public, and the plant continues to operate normally.” This assurance is significant, particularly as the facility is strategically engineered to withstand seismic disturbances.
The New Hampshire Division of Emergency Management took the opportunity to remind the public of earthquake safety protocols, noting, “During an earthquake, if you are inside, you should drop, cover, and hold on. If you are outside, you should move away from buildings and other items capable of toppling over.”
While most areas reported no injuries or structural damage, this earthquake was a stark reminder of the region's geological vulnerability. Earthquakes are relatively rare events for New Hampshire, often registering as minor, though history showcases more memorable occurrences.
For example, many recall the 4.0-magnitude earthquake centered in southern Maine back in 2012, which shook New Hampshire and was felt extensively across neighboring states, all the way to Connecticut. Similarly, thoughts turn to the 1982 event, where another quake of at least magnitude 4.0 disrupted Laconia and Sanbornton, collapsing telephone poles without notable injuries or major damages.
The state's most significant seismic incidents occurred on December 20 and 24 in 1940, both measuring at 5.6 and centered within the Ossipee area. These events had far-reaching effects, but current technologies and modern infrastructure have vastly improved readiness and resilience against such unpredictable natural occurrences.
Geologists investigating regional seismic activity have acknowledged the historical rarity of earthquakes of this magnitude, thereby underscoring the community’s adaptability and preparedness. While tremors may agitate the typical calm of New Hampshire's granite landscapes, they also serve as important reminders of the Earth's restless nature. Residents who experienced Monday's quake now hold stories of their own to share—moments of fear, surprise, and curiosity about what lies beneath the surface.
The earthquake's aftershocks are minor but have sparked discussions among citizens and emergency officials on how to remain vigilant. With memories fresh from this quake, state officials are likely to optimize outreach efforts to educate the public about preparedness.