Earthquakes are not as common on the East Coast and they are a surprise when they happen.
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A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck 10 miles off the coast of York, Maine on Monday.
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The earthquake was recorded at 10:22 a.m. on Monday and was about 10 kilometers southeast of York Harbor, according to USGS. It shook at a depth of 13.2 km. There is no tsunami danger from this earthquake.
The earthquake was originally reported as a 4.1 magnitude quake by USGS and then downgraded.
People across New Hampshire reported feeling the earthquake.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) said that New Hampshire 911 did not receive any calls about injury or damage as of 10:45 a.m. They encouraged residents to be prepared for all types of hazards, including earthquakes.
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“Include all hazards when you are creating a family emergency plan,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “You should also hold regular drills to practice what to do during an earthquake. It’s the best way to keep you and your family safe.”
Local schools, fire departments react
Staff at Mary C. Dondero Elementary School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire pulled the fire alarm after shaking began and had the entire school briefly evacuate, according to superintendent of schools Zach McLaughlin. No other school in Portsmouth evacuated during the course of the earthquake.
“The reality is, as New Englanders, many of whom have lived here our whole lives, this might be everybody’s first earthquake experience,” McLaughlin said Monday morning. “I think folks did the right thing but once it was clear that we were in good condition, folks returned to the building.”
City school department officials have not found any property damage in any of the school buildings thus far in the wake of the quake, McLaughlin added.
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Portsmouth Fire Department Chief Bill McQuillen reported there had been no calls regarding personal injuries or property damage as of approximately 11 a.m. Monday.
The city sent out alerts to residents and automated messages urging any personal injuries or structural damages to be reported to authorities.
“We wanted to try and get out the word as quickly as possible and make sure the city sent out a message as soon as possible,” McQuillen said.
Over the Piscataqua River, calls were made to Kittery, Maine’s fire department but no injuries were reported and no property damage had been found.
“Our dispatch center took a lot of calls from concerned citizens reporting that they think something happened at their property,” Kittery fire Chief Craig Alfis stated. “So far everything has stabilized out and our dispatchers are back to normal operation. We haven’t been out on a call in 15 minutes so fingers crossed we’re past that.”
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No calls had been made expressing concern about the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, per Alfis.
“Reports are coming in from various parts of town about noticeable shaking. We are aware of the earthquake and are actively assessing impacts. Please only contact public safety dispatch if you have an emergency,” the town of Kittery advised in an email.
Where was the NH earthquake? How far did it reach?
According to the USGS, Monday morning’s earthquake originated off the southeast coast of York Harbor, Maine.
York Harbor is about 10 miles north of the New Hampshire border.
Light shaking from the earthquake was felt as far south as Cape Cod, according to the USGS, though some people in Rhode Island also reported feeling the earthquake.
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How strong was the NH earthquake?
Monday’s earthquake is being measured at 3.8 on the magnitude scale, according to the USGS.
According to Michigan Tech, earthquake magnitudes between 2.5-5.4 are often felt but typically only cause minor damage. Earthquake magnitudes measured at 7.0 and higher are considered major earthquakes.
How common are earthquakes in NH?
New Hampshire has a moderate earthquake risk based on its position in the North American plate: according to a 2019 fact sheet from the NH Department of Environmental Services, there have been 65 earthquakes above magnitude 2.1 since 1638.
New Hampshire’s earthquake risk rating is based on frequency rather than intensity.
What was the biggest earthquake in NH history?
While earthquakes in New Hampshire tend to be smaller, there have been similar magnitude earthquakes in the past, such as a 4.0 magnitude quake in Southern Maine in 2012 and another near Laconia in 1982.
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The strongest earthquakes with an epicenter in New Hampshire in state history happened four days apart in December of 1940. Each had a magnitude of 5.8.
On one side of Concord’s City Plaza is a nativity scene. On the other is a pentagram — a symbol of Satanism — encircled by a wreath.
The display, installed by the Satanic Temple’s New Hampshire and Vermont congregation, honors the Dec. 25 Satanic holiday of Sol Invictus, which translates to “unconquered sun” in Latin.
Sol Invictus is a “celebration of being unconquered by superstition and consistent in the pursuit and sharing of knowledge,” according to the group’s website.
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The wreath, adorned with lilacs, New Hampshire’s state flower, will stay up through Dec. 31 alongside other religious and seasonal exhibits that are on display in front of the State House.
“We, like any other religion and organization, are allowed to participate in this public forum, and we are proud to stand with these other displays,” Vivian Hess-Mahan, the congregation’s co-leader and minister, said in a press release.
The Satanic Temple’s holiday display, including a Baphomet statue and 7 tenets of the religion, was placed Saturday in the city plaza in front of the NH State House. Credit: GEOFF FORESTER
This is the second annual holiday display by the Satanic Temple, which erected a statue of its part-goat, part-human deity, Baphomet, last year.
The robed figure and an accompanying plaque of the group’s guiding tenets garnered attention on social media and were repeatedly knocked down and shattered, leading Concord Police to arrest three people on vandalism charges.
The City of Concord approved the permit for the first display based on the First Amendment and to avoid a lawsuit, officials said in a statement last year.
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State Rep. Ellen Read, a Newmarket Democrat, asked the Satanic Temple to install something on City Plaza.
“As a secular lawmaker, I believe it is critical that the City of Concord does not appear to endorse one specific religion over another,” Read said in the press release, arguing that the public place of City Plaza should be “neutral and inclusive.”
“Pluralism is the heartbeat of the ‘Live Free or Die’ state,” she said. “We must ensure that no single perspective dominates the public conversation and that all groups feel safe and represented in their own government.”
A nursing assistant at a hospital in Manchester, N.H., has been charged with sexually assaulting a child who was receiving medical care at the facility, according to police.
Alexander Colbath, 25, was arrested on Friday, several days after the alleged assault was reported, Manchester police said in a statement on Monday.
Colbath is accused of fondling an 8-year-old girl on Nov. 29 at Elliot Hospital, according to court records. A hospital spokesperson said Tuesday that the defendant no longer works at the organization.
“Please know the safety of our patients, staff, and visitors at Elliot Health System remains our highest priority,” communications manager Crystal Mockler said, referring further questions to local authorities.
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Colbath is charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault. It was not clear whether he has a lawyer. He did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.
Colbath made his initial court appearance in Manchester District Court on Monday. He didn’t enter a plea and was released on personal recognizance, with conditions that include having no contact with the victim or her family, and staying away from Elliot Hospital except in the case of a medical emergency.
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His next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 8.
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Amanda Grady Sexton, public affairs director for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence reminded parents that they are not alone. Confidential services are available around-the-clock for those who may need help or guidance, she said.
“The allegations in this case are heartbreaking and remind us that even in places dedicated to healing, children can be vulnerable,” Grady Sexton said. “Ensuring strong safeguards, clear reporting pathways, and immediate support for families is vital.”
Those impacted by domestic and sexual violence or stalking can access free and confidential support services by calling the 24/7 statewide helpline at 866-644-3574.
Those who suspect that a child has been abused or neglected are required to report that concern to the state. The New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth, and Families central intake unit can be reached at 800-894-5533 (from within New Hampshire) or 603-271-6562 (from anywhere).
Steven Porter can be reached at steven.porter@globe.com. Follow him @reporterporter.
