Minor Earthquake Rocks (or Not) the Area

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 1.5 magnitude earthquake near Reading Sunday morning.

According to the USGS event page, the earthquake struck at 8:31 a.m. one mile southeast of Reading. No damage was reported.

Massachusetts is considered to be located in a “moderate” zone for earthquake activity, according to a Facebook post by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

“Although they typically cause only mild to insignificant damage, we experience several small tremors every year,” the post reads. “Scientists cite the Cape Ann Earthquake of 1755 (with a magnitude of 6.0) as the last major earthquake to cause significant damage in Massachusetts.”

Even so, MEMA encourages residents to be aware of earthquake safety and preparedness, such as hanging heavy items away from where people sit or sleep. For more on preparedness, check out the MEMA site.

>>> Did you feel the earth move Sunday morning? Notice any hanging pictures slightly askew? We want to hear about it in the comments below!

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Photo credit: U.S. Geological Survey