Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake Hits Southern Ontario, Canada
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake has been recorded in southern Ontario, Canada, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremors were felt over a wide area, reaching as far as Rochester, New York.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake struck at 10:59 p.m. local time. It had a shallow depth of approximately 11.5 kilometers (7 miles). The epicenter was situated near Brechin, close to Lake Simcoe, which is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Barrie and roughly 104 kilometers (65 miles) northeast of Toronto.
Reports of Tremors
Residents in various parts of Ontario reported feeling the shaking. In Toronto, one social media user described their experience: “whole house shook for about six to ten seconds.” Other areas where shaking was reported include:
- Oshawa
- Millbrook
- Lindsay
Reports also came from parts of New York State, including Rochester. Such seismic events are relatively rare in Ontario.
Seismic Activity in Ontario
While the region does experience occasional earthquakes, most are minor and rarely result in damage. Seismic activity is more common in eastern and central Canada, where ancient fault lines exist.
In summary, the recent 4.6 magnitude earthquake reminded residents of the sometimes overlooked seismic potential in southern Ontario. While earthquakes of this size are infrequent, they serve as a reminder of nature’s power.
