Ottawa, Ontario – A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck just north of Shawville at 12:36 p.m. EDT, sending brief shaking across western Quebec and parts of eastern Ontario, including the Ottawa metro area, within seconds.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit 19 kilometers north-northeast of Shawville at a depth of 10 kilometers, a level shallow enough to be felt widely but typically not strong enough to cause structural damage. Initial reports show light shaking intensity, with residents submitting felt reports within minutes of the event.
Communities along the Ottawa River corridor, including Gatineau and Pembroke, may have noticed rattling windows or shifting objects. No road closures or infrastructure impacts have been reported, but local emergency officials continue to monitor for aftershocks or delayed issues.
Earthquakes of this size can still startle residents indoors. Officials advise checking for unsecured items, reviewing emergency plans, and avoiding elevators if aftershocks occur. While damage risk remains low, older buildings and loose fixtures could be vulnerable.
Seismic monitoring remains active through the afternoon, and additional updates could follow if aftershocks develop or new reports emerge.
