On Tuesday evening, a mild earthquake rattled parts of northern Pennsylvania, with light tremors reported near the New York state line. The earthquake, although minor, caught the attention of local residents, as seismic activity is rare in this part of the eastern United States.
Earthquake Details
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 4:04 p.m. EDT, with a magnitude of 2.8. It occurred about 10 kilometers north-northwest of Forksville, Pennsylvania, at a depth of approximately 7.8 kilometers. While earthquakes of this size are generally not a cause for concern, the tremor was unusual for this region.
Effects and Reports
The earthquake was felt by a small number of people. Thirteen users submitted responses to the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” portal, mostly from Sullivan County and nearby areas.
Despite the shaking, no injuries or significant damage were reported. Residents might have experienced brief shaking or heard a low rumble, but no major structural harm was caused by the tremor.
Seismic Activity in the Region
Earthquakes in the eastern United States, including the Appalachian Plateau, are relatively uncommon. While the area does experience occasional minor seismic events, they rarely cause damage.
Earthquakes in this region can sometimes be felt over larger areas than those on the west coast due to the older, more rigid bedrock. The USGS has not issued any warnings or aftershock advisories related to this earthquake.
Forksville and Surrounding Areas
Forksville is a small rural community located southeast of Williamsport and northwest of Scranton. The tremor may have also been felt in parts of New York’s Southern Tier region.
Residents are encouraged to report any unusual observations to the USGS to assist in improving the scientific understanding of seismic patterns in the area.
