On Sunday afternoon, a minor magnitude 3.6 earthquake shook parts of upstate New York, including neighbouring Ontario, Canada, and Syracuse to the south. The earthquake struck at 2:10 pm with an epicentre about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Watertown, near Adams Centre, as reported by the US Geological Survey. Despite people reporting feeling a weak to moderate earthquake across an area stretching more than a hundred miles, there were no immediate reports of significant damage.
The Impact of the Earthquake
According to the federal agency, posters on WWNY-TV's Facebook page described their homes shaking closer to the epicentre. However, significant damage and casualties do not usually occur until earthquake magnitudes are around 5.5 or higher.This means that while the earthquake may have been felt by those in the vicinity, it is unlikely to have caused any serious damage.
Preparing for Earthquakes
Despite minor earthquakes being a relatively common occurrence, it is always important to be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake. This includes knowing what to do during an earthquake, having an emergency kit on hand, and knowing how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in your home.Though minor tremors are a relatively commonplace occurrence, it is always crucial to be primed for the likelihood of an earthquake. This encompasses discerning how to conduct oneself during a seismic activity, keeping an emergency kit at hand, and being knowledgeable about how to disengage gas, water, and electricity in one's abode.
Conclusion
While Sunday's minor earthquake may have caused some brief alarm, it serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness. By taking simple steps to prepare ourselves and our homes, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones in the event of a more significant earthquake.
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