A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck eastern Canada on Thursday morning, sending tremors across several regions of Quebec and surprising residents from the Lower St. Lawrence area to the North Shore.
The earthquake occurred at 10:21 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Mont-Joli in the St. Lawrence River, according to Earthquakes Canada.
Although no major damage or injuries have been reported, the tremor was felt across a wide area, prompting precautionary evacuations and renewed attention to the region’s seismic activity.
Earthquake Felt Across Eastern Quebec
Residents reported feeling shaking in numerous communities throughout eastern Quebec, including:
- Mont-Joli
- Rimouski
- Rivière-du-Loup
- Matane
- Baie-des-Chaleurs
- Baie-Comeau
- Sept-Îles
Many people described several seconds of noticeable shaking as buildings swayed and objects rattled.
The earthquake was strong enough to be widely felt but not powerful enough to cause significant structural damage.
Precautionary Evacuations Carried Out
Following the earthquake, several facilities activated precautionary safety procedures.
The CLSC health centre in Matane was temporarily evacuated while officials assessed the building. Health authorities later confirmed that no damage had been discovered and that staff and patients were allowed to safely return inside.
Local authorities also stated that emergency teams remained prepared and continued monitoring the situation.
No Damage Reported
Municipal officials across the affected region reported no significant damage following the earthquake.
The City of Matane confirmed that emergency services had received no reports of structural impacts or injuries and reassured residents that response teams remain trained and ready should further seismic activity occur.
Authorities continue encouraging residents to report any damage that may have gone unnoticed immediately after the event.
Why Do Earthquakes Occur in Eastern Canada?
While eastern Canada is not typically associated with major earthquakes, seismic activity is not uncommon in the region.
According to Natural Resources Canada, approximately 450 earthquakes occur annually in eastern Canada, although only a handful exceed magnitude 4.0 each year.
The Lower St. Lawrence region is considered a moderate seismic zone due to ancient geological structures buried deep beneath the surface.
Ancient Faults Still Active Today
Seismologists explain that hundreds of millions of years ago, tectonic forces attempted to split apart parts of eastern North America.
Although that process eventually stopped, it left behind a network of deep faults that can still reactivate today.
These ancient fault systems occasionally release accumulated stress, producing earthquakes like the one felt across Quebec on Thursday.
Moderate Earthquakes Remain Relatively Rare
Experts note that earthquakes of this magnitude are not considered common for the region.
While small tremors occur regularly and often go unnoticed, a magnitude 4.4 event is strong enough to be felt by thousands of people across a large area.
Seismic analysts say residents near the epicenter typically experience between five and ten seconds of shaking, often described as a swaying or back-and-forth motion.
Authorities Continue Monitoring
Earthquakes Canada continues to monitor the region for any aftershocks or additional seismic activity.
At this stage, experts say there is no indication of increased seismic danger, but they encourage residents to remain informed and understand local earthquake safety procedures.
Thursday’s earthquake serves as a reminder that while major earthquakes are uncommon in eastern Canada, the region remains geologically active and capable of producing noticeable seismic events.
