On Tuesday evening, a mild earthquake shook parts of northern Pennsylvania, with light tremors being felt close to the New York state line. This event was reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which confirmed that the earthquake had a magnitude of 2.8. It occurred at 4:04 p.m. EDT, about 10 kilometers north-northwest of Forksville, Pennsylvania.
The tremor originated from a depth of approximately 7.8 kilometers, and it was reviewed and confirmed by seismic analysts.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake was categorized as minor, with tremors felt in nearby communities. However, it was unusual for this part of the eastern United States, where earthquakes are not as common. Despite the low intensity, 13 people reported feeling the tremor through the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” portal. Most of these reports came from communities in Sullivan County and surrounding areas.
Effects and Response
Although earthquakes of this size usually don’t cause significant damage, residents may have experienced brief shaking or heard a low rumble. Fortunately, no injuries or major damage have been reported. The USGS did not issue any warnings or aftershock advisories related to this earthquake.
In the eastern U.S., earthquakes tend to be felt over a wider area compared to the western U.S. because of the region’s older, more rigid bedrock. This section of the Appalachian Plateau does occasionally experience small seismic events, but they are generally not a cause for concern.
Forksville and Surrounding Areas
Forksville is a small rural town located southeast of Williamsport and northwest of Scranton. It’s possible that the tremor was also felt in parts of New York’s Southern Tier region. The USGS encourages residents to report any unusual observations to help improve their understanding of seismic activity in the area.
While the earthquake near Forksville was minor and caused no serious damage, it highlights the occasional seismic activity in the eastern United States. Earthquakes like this remind us that even areas where quakes are rare can experience these natural events.
Residents in affected areas should continue to monitor for any additional reports and help researchers by submitting any observations.
