Magnitude 4.4 moderate earthquake hits Eastern Quebec
Posted on: Jun 18, 2026 20:56 IST | Posted by: Cbc
A magnitude 4.4 temblor has shaken the Bas-Saint-Laurent, pantésie and Côte-Nord regions th morning time.
According to Earthquakes Canada, the epicentre of the quake, which occurred at 10:21 a.m., was located 25 kilometres northeast of Mont-Joli, Que., in the St. Lawrence River.
It was felt as far away as Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski, Baie-des-Chaleurs, Baie-Comeau, and Sept-Îles.
In a post on Facebook, the City of Matane said no damage had been reported and added that its teams are trained and ready.
The CLSC Matane was evacuated as a precaution, but everyone re-entered the building, acccording to Santé Québec Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Every year, about 450 earthquakes occur in the eastern part of the country. Of that number, an average of four exceed a magnitude of 4.0, according to the Earthquakes Canada website.
The Lower St-Lawrence area is considered a moderate earthquake zone, says Christopher Boucher, seismic analyst at Natural Resources Canada.
All along the St-Lawrence and up into the Ottawa Valley, it's a region where hundreds of millions of years ago, two tectonic plates began to separate before the process then stopped, he said.
"That created really old faults, deep faults that can reactivate at any given moment and cause the earthquakes we feel today," he said.
In general, he says they record lower magnitude earthquakes in the area every day.
The impact of this type of earthquake depends on a person's proximity and the type of soil they're standing on, said Boucher, but people can expect five to 10 seconds of shaking, or a back and forth swaying motion.
"I certainly wouldn't call it common," he said.
The last earthquake of this magnitude in the same region would have been in 1999, he said, south of Sept-Îles.
He encourages anyone who felt the earthquake to fill out a form on the Earthquakes Canada webpage.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.