Earthquakes Canada has recorded a 3.9-magnitude earthquake north of Shawville, Quebec, early on Tuesday afternoon. Residents in Ottawa, Maniwaki, and Pembroke reported feeling the quake around 12:36 p.m., with most describing it as weak shaking. Earthquakes of this size are commonly felt in the region but rarely result in any significant damage.
The strongest earthquake in the government records for the area dates back to a magnitude 5.6 quake in September 1944, with subsequent quakes in 2010 and 2013 measuring around 5 on the Richter scale. Major earthquakes are classified as magnitude 7 and above.
One Pembroke resident, Briony Baxter, shared her experience of feeling her house shake during the earthquake, causing her pets to react anxiously. Despite hearing noises from the basement, no significant damage was reported. The quake occurred in a seismic zone in western Quebec, similar to a previous 5.2-magnitude quake in 2013, as noted by seismologist Michal Koraj. Damage is typically observed at around a magnitude 5 intensity level.
The earthquake highlights the ongoing seismic activity in the region, with residents urged to remain vigilant despite the low likelihood of significant damage from such events.