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News Release

U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey

Address
953 National Center
Reston, VA 20192
Release
January 3, 2000
Contact
Diane Noserale
Phone
703-648-4333
Fax
703-648-6859


Earthquake Shakes Southern Maine

Note to editors: As more information is received and the data are further analyzed, we may issue updates or clarifications on this event.

A minor earthquake, preliminary magnitude 3.5 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, occurred 15 miles (20 km) west northwest of Lewiston, Maine at 4:06 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). This shallow earthquake was felt in Augusta, and throughout southern Maine. The USGS has received no reports of damage at this time.

The most recent felt earthquake recorded in Maine occurred at 7:22 pm EST on Dec. 24, 1999. The preliminary magnitude of that event is 2.9. It was felt at Albion, Alton, Dexter and at other locations in the central part of the State.

As the nation's largest water, earth and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial, scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. This information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, to contribute to the conservation and the sound economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and to enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.

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U.S. Geological Survey, MS119 National Center, Reston, VA 20192, USA
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Last Modification: 1-4-2000@9:22am(KRW)