Additional Coverage:
- Earthquake felt in Boston was centered off Maine (newsbreak.com)
Boston Area Rattles After Maine Earthquake
A 3.8 magnitude earthquake centered off the coast of York Harbor, Maine, shook residents across New England this morning. The tremor, initially reported as a 4.1 and later downgraded, struck at 10:22 a.m. Reports of shaking came in from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
Experts Weigh In
John Ebel, a senior scientist at Boston College’s Weston Observatory, described the quake as a “once-in-every-five-years kind of earthquake” for the region. While New England isn’t situated on any active fault lines, the quake was significant for the area.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no tsunami threat.
Shaking Felt Across the Region
The quake, originating over eight miles underground, was felt for several seconds. WBZ-TV’s newsroom in Boston experienced the tremor, and anchor David Wade, residing west of Boston, reported his house shaking for what felt like five to ten seconds.
Residents React
Anna Fletcher, working from her Milton home, said the shaking lasted four to five seconds. “Your mind goes to anything but an earthquake when you live in New England,” she remarked.
No Major Damage Reported
While the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency received numerous reports of shaking, no significant damage was immediately reported. The agency reminded residents to “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake.
Aftershocks Expected
Ebel anticipates aftershocks, some potentially strong enough to be felt along the Massachusetts North Shore, coastal New Hampshire, and southern coastal Maine.
Maine Responds
Initial reports in York County, Maine, included calls about a possible explosion. A dispatcher commented on the significant shaking experienced at their station.
In Portland, Nancy Begert described a similar experience, with a minor incident of an object falling from a desk. Maine’s Emergency Management Agency urged residents to reserve 911 calls for actual emergencies.
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- Earthquake felt in Boston was centered off Maine (newsbreak.com)