United States

Sixth Earthquake Over Past Week Rattles Maine

An earthquake has been recorded in Maine for the sixth time in a week. 

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 1.6 earthquake in Maine, near the New Hampshire border. 

This earthquake happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday, about an hour before a 2.3 magnitude earthquake hit Harrison, where multiple people reported shaking. 

"We have a wood stove and it felt like a collapse of the wood - a huge one," said Cheryl Keith, a Harrison resident who felt the earthquake. 

Another minor earthquake was recorded in Dresden on Jan. 17. The agency says the 2.6 magnitude quake struck before 7 p.m., and it was followed by two other minor quakes. 

Fairfield was shaken by an earthquake two days after that, a magnitude 1.7. 

No injuries or damage have been reported. 

State Geologist Robert Marvinney said sometimes earthquakes happen in clusters, but this week's seismic streak is rare. 

"It's a little unusual to have them all in such a short period of time, but it's not unprecedented," he said. Marvinney estimates a week with this many earthquakes happens about once a decade in Maine. 

It is not a sign of a changing earth, or a sign of more earthquakes to come. 

Earthquakes happen in New England but they're relatively rare. 

A 4.0 magnitude quake in 2012 near Hollis, Maine, was felt as far away as Connecticut, and a 4.2 magnitude quake in 2006 struck Maine's Mount Desert Island, causing boulders to tumble. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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