June 23, 2010
An earthquake the U.S. Geological Survey has estimated at a 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale, centered about 55 miles north-northeast of Ottawa, Ontario, was felt by Ithaca area residents at about 1:41 this afternoon. The earthquake was listed at an intensity of VII on the MMI, or Modified Mercalli Intensity, scale.
By comparison, this January's devastating earthquake in Haiti measured a 7.0 on the Richter scale, with an intensity up to X on the MMI in some areas.
Reports on Twitter suggest this afternoon's earthquake was felt throughout Ontario, as well as in Rochester, Syracuse, and Montreal. The USGS estimate puts the epicenter of the quake on the border between Ontario and Quebec.
Did you feel it? Report how it felt in your location on the USGS web site.
Update: Newer data from USGS downgrades the quake to 5.0 on the Richter scale and a maximum VI intensity, and puts it closer to Ottawa, at about 33 miles north-northeast of the city.
