Millinocket, ME – A rare earthquake struck northern Maine early Monday, registering a magnitude of 2.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 1:56 a.m. UTC (8:56 p.m. ET Sunday) approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) northwest of Millinocket at a depth of 10.6 kilometers (6.6 miles).
While minor earthquakes occasionally occur in the region, significant seismic activity is uncommon in Maine and the broader Northeast. According to the USGS, at least four individuals reported feeling the tremor, but no damage or injuries were immediately reported.
The event underscores the presence of fault lines in the northern Appalachian region, though they are far less active than those on the West Coast. Earthquakes of this magnitude typically cause little to no structural impact, but they can be perceptible to residents near the epicenter.
Experts encourage individuals who felt the quake to report their experience through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system to improve data collection on seismic activity in the region. Authorities do not anticipate aftershocks, but the event serves as a reminder that minor seismic activity can occur anywhere in the U.S., even in areas not traditionally associated with earthquakes.
