Commonwealth_ A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Maniwaki area in western Quebec early Sunday morning, but no damage was reported, according to Earthquakes Canada. The tremor occurred at 8:02 a.m., with its epicenter located 75 kilometers northwest of Maniwaki. Residents in various parts of the region, including Ottawa and Gatineau, reported feeling the earthquake, as did others as far as Pembroke, Montreal, and Brockville.
The earthquake caused minimal disruption, though some residents noted its effects. A Kanata resident speculated it might have woken them up, while another reported snow falling off their roof during the event. Despite being widely felt, seismologist Stephen Crane of Natural Resources Canada emphasized that the earthquake posed no risk of structural damage. He explained that damage typically occurs with earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher.
“An earthquake of this size is below the damage threshold,” Crane stated. “However, strong shaking might be experienced, especially by those unfamiliar with earthquakes.”
Crane also addressed the potential for aftershocks, noting that such occurrences are unlikely for an earthquake of this magnitude. “Aftershocks are usually about a magnitude lower than the main shock. If any occur, they would be minor and likely imperceptible to most people,” he added.
The earthquake occurred within the West Kazbek seismic zone, a geologically active area that stretches from the Ottawa Valley to Montreal and Temiskaming. This region has a history of significant seismic activity, and while this specific event was not damaging, Crane cautioned that the area remains prone to larger, more destructive earthquakes in the future.
“This area is known to produce significant earthquakes. While today’s event wasn’t severe, it serves as a reminder that damaging earthquakes have occurred here and are expected to occur again,” he said.
Crane also highlighted the region’s inclusion in Canada’s Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system, a network designed to rapidly detect seismic activity and alert the public to potential strong ground shaking. The system, which is currently operational in western British Columbia, will expand to eastern Ontario and southern Quebec in early 2025.
“The EEW system detects earthquakes and sends alerts to users, providing a few seconds of warning before ground shaking occurs,” Crane explained. While such warnings offer only brief preparation time, they can be critical for mitigating harm in the event of a larger earthquake.
In recent years, significant advancements in seismic monitoring and early warning technologies have greatly enhanced earthquake preparedness across Canada. These systems, designed to provide timely alerts and data, have become crucial in safeguarding lives and infrastructure, particularly in regions with a history of seismic activity. While the 4.1 magnitude earthquake on Sunday was relatively minor and caused no reported damage, it served as a critical reminder of the value of these technologies and the ongoing need for preparedness in seismically active areas, such as the West Kazbek seismic zone.
The West Kazbek zone, which stretches from the Ottawa Valley through Montreal to Temiskaming, is known for its geological activity and has produced significant earthquakes in the past. Although Sunday’s event was below the damage threshold, it underscored the unpredictability of seismic events and the potential for larger, more destructive earthquakes in the future. This highlights the importance of proactive measures, including robust monitoring systems, public awareness, and community readiness.
Moreover, the broader implications of earthquakes for infrastructure, the economy, and public safety underscore the necessity of continued investment in seismic research and preparedness programs. Engineers and urban planners use data from seismic monitoring systems to design buildings and infrastructure capable of withstanding earthquakes. Governments and emergency services rely on this data to develop response plans, allocate resources, and ensure community resilience.
