1.3-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Stamford
What Happened
A 1.3-magnitude earthquake hit Stamford, Connecticut, on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 10:42 AM EST. The epicenter was located about 1 mile southwest of the city center, near the intersection of Long Ridge Road and High Ridge Road.
The earthquake was felt by residents in Stamford and surrounding towns, including Darien, New Canaan, and Norwalk. No injuries or damage were reported.
What Caused the Earthquake
The earthquake was caused by a fault in the Earth's crust. Faults are cracks in the Earth's crust where rocks have moved past each other. When rocks move along a fault, it can cause an earthquake.
The fault that caused the Stamford earthquake is called the Ramapo Fault. The Ramapo Fault is a major fault that runs through New York and Connecticut. It is one of the most active faults in the Northeast.
Was This an Aftershock?
The Stamford earthquake was not an aftershock of the 5.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Virginia in 2011. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur after a larger earthquake. They are usually felt near the epicenter of the main earthquake.
What to Do During an Earthquake
If you are in an earthquake, the best thing to do is to:
- Drop to the ground.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Hold on until the shaking stops.
If you are in a building, stay away from windows and outside walls. If you are outside, stay away from buildings and power lines.
Once the shaking stops, check yourself for injuries and check on others around you. If you see any damage, report it to the authorities.