NEW YORK — A minor earthquake was felt across parts of New York State on Tuesday afternoon, according to reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Residents in towns near the New York-Pennsylvania border reported feeling light shaking, though no damage or injuries have been reported.
The tremor, which struck near Canton, Pennsylvania — approximately 40 miles south of the New York border — registered a magnitude of 2.8 on the Richter Scale. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of just under 5 miles, making it more likely to be felt on the surface.
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Seismic Activity in the Northeast
While earthquakes are relatively uncommon in New York compared to regions along the Pacific Coast, they are not unheard of. The northeastern U.S. has a number of known fault lines, and the USGS regularly records low-magnitude seismic activity in the area.
The most notable fault line near the region is the Ramapo Fault, which stretches from southeastern New York through northern New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. Other areas of New York prone to occasional seismic activity include the Lake Ontario region, Western New York, and regions near the Quebec border.
USGS Monitoring
The U.S. Geological Survey, a federal agency tasked with monitoring natural phenomena including earthquakes, confirmed the tremor and continues to track seismic activity in the Northeast. While the agency primarily focuses on more active regions like California and Alaska, it maintains seismic monitoring equipment nationwide.
“The USGS collects and analyzes data to help improve understanding of seismic risks across the country, including areas not typically associated with frequent earthquakes,” the agency states on its website.
Local Response and Safety
Local emergency services did not report any injuries or structural damage related to the quake, and no emergency alerts were issued. Events of this magnitude are usually not destructive, though they can be felt indoors and may cause minor disturbances, such as rattling windows or objects falling from shelves.
Residents in southern New York, especially in counties bordering Pennsylvania, are encouraged to remain aware of potential aftershocks, although the likelihood of significant follow-up tremors remains low.
For real-time earthquake updates and safety information, the public is encouraged to visit the official USGS Earthquake Map or the Ready.gov Earthquake Preparedness Guide.
