Maine earthquake: 1.9‑magnitude tremor felt by over 100 residents

What happened on Sunday night

At about 9:18 p.m. local time on September 21, residents of Limington, Maine, felt a sudden jolt that lasted only a few seconds. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) later logged the event as a 1.9‑magnitude earthquake, with its hypocenter roughly 6.6 miles (10 km) beneath the surface. The epicenter landed about 7 km east‑northeast of the town, near the coordinates 43.68 °N, –70.633 °W.

Even though a magnitude under 2 is considered minor, more than a hundred people reported the shaking to local authorities. A seismologist reviewed the data and confirmed the quake’s details, noting that the tremor’s depth made it relatively easy for surface dwellers to feel.

Why a small quake still matters

New England isn’t known for big earthquakes, but the region sits on old, slowly moving fault lines that can‑still release energy. Events like this one serve as a reminder that seismic monitoring isn’t just for the West Coast.

Key facts about the Limington event:

• Magnitude: 1.9 on the Richter scale.
• Depth: 6.6 miles (10 km) below ground.
• Time: 01:18:33 UTC on September 22, 2025 (9:18 p.m. local).
• Location: Approximately 7 km from Limington, near Lake Arrowhead.
• Reports: 103 residents filed tremor reports.

The USGS’s initial bulletin listed the quake as happening 8 km east‑northeast of Lake Arrowhead, a detail later refined as more data came in. No structural damage was reported, which aligns with expectations for a quake of this size.

Scientists keep an eye on these small quakes because they help map the hidden stress zones beneath the crust. Over time, a pattern of minor tremors can signal shifts that might lead to larger events, though the odds remain low in Maine.

For locals, the experience was a brief reminder that the earth can move even in a quiet, forest‑lined corner of the country. Emergency services noted the reports but said no further action was needed. Residents who felt the shaking shared mixed reactions—some were startled, others found it a curious anecdote to tell friends.

While the **Maine earthquake** caused no harm, it underscores the value of public awareness and a robust seismic network. Even minor tremors can be a useful data point for geologists trying to understand the subtle dynamics of the North Atlantic plate boundary.