4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Western Quebec, Felt Across Ottawa and Montreal
Did you feel a tremor this morning? A mild earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale rattled parts of western Quebec today, catching the attention of residents in Ottawa, Montreal, and other surrounding areas. The quake, centered roughly 75 kilometers northwest of Maniwaki, struck at 8:02 a.m. according to Earthquakes Canada. Fortunately, no damage was reported, but the event certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
Residents across a broad swath of regions, from Pembroke to Montreal and as far south as Brockville, reported feeling the shaking. Some described minor incidents, like snow slipping off rooftops or being startled awake. For many, it served as a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature, even in areas where earthquakes are not everyday occurrences.
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Seismologist Stephen Crane from Natural Resources Canada shed some light on the phenomenon. He explained that while the earthquake was widely felt, it remained below the magnitude threshold typically associated with structural damage, which is around 5.0. "This type of event can cause noticeable vibrations, but significant damage is not expected," he noted. Crane also addressed concerns about aftershocks, explaining that for a quake of this size, any aftershocks would likely be too minor for most people to detect.
The affected area lies within the West Kazbek seismic zone, a region known for seismic activity stretching from the Ottawa Valley to Temiskaming. Although today’s quake was not destructive, the zone has a history of producing significant events, a sobering reminder that larger quakes are possible in the future.
For those curious about the science of earthquakes, Natural Resources Canada highlighted their Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system, which is gradually rolling out in Canada. This system, already operational in British Columbia and set to expand to Ontario and Quebec in 2025, aims to provide crucial seconds of warning before strong shaking begins, encouraging people to "drop, cover, and hold on."
If you felt today’s tremor, you can contribute valuable data by filling out the "Did you feel it?" report on the Earthquakes Canada website. These reports help scientists better understand the impact and reach of such seismic events.
Although it was a mild and largely harmless earthquake, today’s event serves as a reminder of the geological forces at play beneath our feet and the importance of staying informed and prepared.
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