New York is not typically linked with earthquakes, yet the state has seen multiple seismic events that have resulted in damage and fatalities. Here is a list of the deadliest earthquakes in New York over the last century, ranked by the number of deaths and injuries reported.
1. The 1929 Grand Banks Earthquake
The Grand Banks earthquake occurred on November 18, 1929, off the shore of Newfoundland, Canada, and had a magnitude of 7.2. The quake caused a major underwater landslide, resulting in a series of disastrous tsunamis that struck the beaches of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New England. Tsunamis killed 28 people in Newfoundland and injured hundreds more. In New York, the tsunamis caused some damage to boats and docks, but no one was killed. However, the quake was felt across the state, particularly on Long Island and in New York City, where it rocked buildings and terrified residents.
2. The 1935 Timiskaming Earthquake
The Timiskaming earthquake of November 1, 1935, had a magnitude of 6.2 and occurred near the boundary between Ontario and Quebec in Canada. The earthquake was felt across most of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, including New York. The earthquake caused some damage to buildings and infrastructure, including cracked walls, broken windows, and collapsed chimneys. The earthquake also caused landslides and rockfalls in several regions. The earthquake in New York killed one person and injured four others, largely as a result of falling debris and panic.
3. The 1944 Massena-Cornwall Earthquake
The Massena-Cornwall earthquake of September 5, 1944, had a magnitude of 5.8 and occurred at the boundary between New York and Ontario, Canada. The quake was the largest ever recorded in New York, and it was felt throughout the United States and Canada. The earthquake caused considerable damage to buildings and infrastructure in the epicentral region, including fallen walls, broken foundations, and ruptured pipelines. The quake also damaged electricity and communication cables, causing small landslides and liquefaction. The earthquake in New York killed two individuals and injured 15 others, largely as a result of fallen objects and panic.
4. The 1983 Goodnow Earthquake
The Goodnow earthquake of October 7, 1983 was a magnitude 5.3 tremor that struck near the hamlet of Goodnow in New York. The quake was the second largest ever recorded in New York, and it was felt across the state and nearby territories. The earthquake caused modest damage to buildings and infrastructure in the epicentral region, including cracked plaster, shattered windows, and moved furniture. The tremor also caused small rockfalls and landslides in several regions. The earthquake in New York killed one person and injured three more, most of whom suffered from heart attacks and stress.
5. The 2002 Au Sable Forks earthquake
The Au Sable Forks earthquake of April 20, 2002, was a magnitude 5.1 tremor that struck near the town of Au Sable Forks, New York. The earthquake was the third strongest ever recorded in New York, and it was felt throughout the state and nearby territories. The quake caused modest damage to buildings and infrastructure in the epicenter, including cracked walls, broken dishes, and falling portraits. The tremor also caused minor landslides and rockfalls in several regions. The earthquake in New York killed one person and injured two more, both of whom suffered heart attacks.
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Conclusion
Although New York is not a high-risk area for earthquakes, the state has seen several catastrophic earthquakes over the last century. These earthquakes have caused property damage, injuries, and deaths, as well as widespread fear and worry. As a result, even in a low-seismicity zone like New York, it is critical to be aware of potential earthquake threats and prepare for them.