January 27, 2025
This week, people in the northeast United States have mentioned strange seismic events, as two earthquakes hit people in New Jersey and New England. Although the events were trivial, they have generated debate on earthquake readiness in a region unaccustomed to such events.
Maine Hit by a 3.8 Magnitude Earthquake
22 a.m. The epicenter of the tremor as determined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is 6 miles southeast of York Harbor at an eight-mile depth. Tremors were felt across Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
"I thought it was a truck passing by, but the whole house shook," said a resident from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Thankfully no injuries or major damage to property were reported but blame fell upon many of us as being shaken and bewildered as to what to do.
New Jersey Rumbles Days Earlier
This happens only a few days after a magnitude 2.4 earthquake in Paramus, Bergen County, of New Jersey on January 24. Occurring around 1 p.m., the quake caused mild shaking felt across northern New Jersey. While minor, it served as a wake-up call for residents and officials alike.
A Reminder of Seismic History
The Northeast is not stereotypically considered to be seismically active, but what the record reveals is not what one expects nature to be. Major earthquakes have been registered, including the 1638 New Hampshire earthquake, and the 1663 Charlevoix quake which affected some areas of Quebec and Maine. Recent, to say nothing of seismic activity, like a magnitude 4.8 (M 4.8) New Jersey earthquake (meaning GE is not limited to the good old days) demonstrates that this region is not immune to such phenomena.
What Causes Northeast Earthquakes?
However, unlike the western part of the country, the Northeast is removed at a distance from tectonic plate margins. However, the province is punctuated with old faults and fractured bedrock. These geological structures along with stress build up in time can cause occasional earthquakes.
While our earthquakes are low in magnitude on average, earthquakes can be very detectable over wide areas due to the dense and strong crust in this region of the country, explained a USGS seismologist.
Preparedness Takes Center Stage
These events are also prompting leaders to call for preparedness. While severe earthquakes remain infrequent in the Northeast, infrastructure deterioration and high population density make even minor seismic activity a serious risk.
Officials recommend earthquake safety behaviors (i.e., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" ) as a means of reducing injury during shaking. Emergency kits with water food first-aid are also proposed.
We're in danger of being dismissive of earthquake risks, but it's preparedness that is the solution," said a representative of the Northeast States Emergency Consortium".
Building Awareness Through Community Action
Local emergency management personnel are enhancing outreach programs to reach the public. Annual practices, such as the Great Northeast ShakeOut, motivate schools, businesses, and families to practice safety procedures.
While this week's earthquakes caused no harm, they serve as a critical reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity. Experts continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are urged to stay informed.
Preparation in low-risk locations may be crucial when the ground starts to shake.
ALSO READ | DeepSeek's AI Breakthrough Shakes Global Tech Markets, Challenges Nvidia's Dominance
ALSO READ | Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages Amid Ceasefire, Allowing Gazans to Return Home
ALSO READ | From TikTok to Tapas: How Elias Dosunmu is Revolutionizing Madrid's Culinary Scene
