SCARBOROUGH, Maine — A 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the Maine coast on Monday at approximately 10:22 a.m., sending tremors across northern New England and as far as Pennsylvania, catching many residents off guard.

The earthquake was centered about six miles (10 kilometers) southeast of York Harbor, with a reported depth of eight miles (13 kilometers), according to the United States Geological Survey. Reports indicated that the quake was felt in every state throughout New England, with many southern Maine residents describing the sensation as buildings and homes shook, disrupting the peaceful winter morning.

Residents and officials in both Maine and New Hampshire quickly mobilized to check for potential damage, leading to a mix of confusion and concern. Social media buzzed with claims that many thought they had heard a car accident or perhaps even an explosion. "I wasn’t terrified, but this felt different than a normal rumbling,” remarked Justine Wenger, a freelancer working in Scarborough. “It felt substantial. There was an instinct to get out of the house,” she added.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency advised residents to reserve 911 calls for emergencies, as no major damages were reported. Vanessa Corson, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed there were no significant problems after speaking with emergency management agencies from York and Cumberland counties.

New Hampshire’s Department of Safety echoed these sentiments, stating their 911 center had not received reports of injuries or structural damages tied to the quake. Earthquakes are less common in the central and eastern regions of the U.S. compared to western states but can be felt over a much broader area. On average, New England experiences about two minor earthquakes annually.

While seismic activities of around 3.8 or higher in strength are not commonplace in this region, they are not unprecedented. According to Maureen Long, chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Yale University, similar events have affected the northeastern United States, with historical earthquakes of note occurring in New Jersey and upstate New York.

Residents in major cities, including Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, also reported feeling the earthquake. In Kennebunk, school officials assured parents that schools were thoroughly checked, confirming that all systems were functioning properly without any damages discovered.

For residents who experienced the earthquake, authorities urged them to report their observations to USGS for further assessment and data collection. As seismic phenomena remind us of the dynamic nature of our planet, preparedness remains key in these communities.

For more detailed information on the event, check the full report from AP News.