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News Release

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

Address
953 National Center
Reston, VA 20192
Release
April 20, 2000
Contact
Diane Noserale
Phone
703-648-4333
Fax
703-648-6859


Earthquake Shakes Eastern New York

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 3.7 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, occurred near Newcomb, New York at 4:47 am Eastern Daylight Time. The epicenter was about 95 miles north northwest of Albany. The earthquake was felt in Montpelier, VT and Springfield, MA. The USGS has received no reports of damage at this time.

On Oct. 7, 1983, an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 occurred in the same general area. That event caused minor damage and was felt in 12 states and 2 provinces. The largest earthquake recorded in the state of New York occurred near Massena, Sept 5, 1944. That event had a magnitude of 5.8 and caused considerable damage in the area.

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: 4-20-2000@1:49pm(KRW)