Back-to-Back Earthquakes Rattle Ontario

First Quake: A Rude Awakening

Just before 4:30 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 struck near the town of Renfrew, Ontario. The quake was felt across a wide area, from Ottawa to Toronto and as far away as Montreal.

The quake caused widespread shaking and rattling, but there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. However, some buildings were evacuated as a precaution, and power outages were reported in some areas.

Second Quake: Even Stronger

Just over 12 hours later, a second earthquake, this time with a magnitude of 5.3, struck near the town of Pembroke, Ontario. The second quake was also felt across a wide area, and it caused more intense shaking than the first one.

There were some reports of minor damage from the second quake, including cracked walls and broken windows. However, there were no reports of any serious injuries.

Aftershocks and Seismic Activity

In the hours and days following the two main quakes, there were several smaller aftershocks in the area. Seismologists are monitoring the situation closely and say that there is a chance of more aftershocks in the coming days or weeks.

The earthquakes are a reminder that Ontario is located in a seismically active zone. While large earthquakes are relatively rare in the province, they do happen occasionally.

Preparedness and Safety

In the event of an earthquake, it is important to stay calm and follow these safety tips:

• Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows, outside doors, and walls.
• If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Stay in the car and wait for the shaking to stop.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

For more information on earthquake preparedness, please visit the Natural Resources Canada website.

Conclusion

The back-to-back earthquakes in Ontario were a reminder that the province is located in a seismically active zone. While large earthquakes are relatively rare, they do happen occasionally. It is important to be prepared for an earthquake and to know what to do in the event of one.