Earthquakes Canada has reported a 3.9-magnitude earthquake located north of Shawville, Quebec, on Tuesday afternoon. Residents in Ottawa, Maniwaki, and Pembroke felt the quake around 12:36 p.m., with most describing the shaking as mild. Despite being commonly felt in the region, earthquakes of this size typically do not result in significant damage.
Historical records from the government show that no local earthquake has surpassed a magnitude of 5.6 since September 1944. Previous earthquakes in 2010 and 2013 registered around a magnitude of 5, while major earthquakes are classified as magnitude 7 and above.
Witnesses like Briony Baxter in Pembroke, Ontario, experienced the earthquake firsthand. Baxter described feeling her house shake during lunch, causing her pets to react anxiously. Although no damage occurred in her home, Baxter was certain it was an earthquake, noting the distinct difference from routine activities like helicopter flyovers in her area.
Seismologist Michal Koraj mentioned that the earthquake occurred in a known seismic zone in western Quebec, where a similar magnitude quake was recorded in 2013. Koraj explained that typically damage begins to occur around a magnitude of 5 on the Richter scale.
