Two Earthquakes Struck Maine on October 4

The state recorded two minor seismic events occurring roughly 35 minutes apart on Friday night.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Geology

Cracked granite bedrock and mossy boulders embedded in an autumnal Maine forest landscape. — Two minor earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 1.5 and 1.6, were recorded near the Maine towns of Jackman and Sebec on October 4. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Two small earthquakes were detected in Maine on October 4, 2026. The tremors occurred near the towns of Jackman and Sebec within the same evening.

Why it matters

These events contribute to the ongoing record of seismic activity in the region, which has seen over 170 tremors since 1997. Monitoring such activity helps researchers track geological shifts in the state.

The first quake reached a magnitude of 1.5 at a depth of 6 miles, while the second measured 1.6 at a depth of nearly 4 miles. These follow a historical record of over 170 recorded earthquakes in Maine since 1997.

The details

A magnitude 1.5 earthquake struck 1 mile west-southwest of Jackman, while a magnitude 1.6 tremor occurred 4 miles south of Sebec. Both events were relatively shallow, originating from depths of approximately 4 to 6 miles below the surface.

October 4, 2026: Two earthquakes occurred in Maine.
10:23 p.m.: The first earthquake was recorded near Jackman.
10:59 p.m.: The second earthquake was recorded near Sebec.

The Big Picture

These tremors follow the historical pattern of regional seismic activity established by the 2012 East Waterboro earthquake. While minor, these events help update the state's long-term seismic records and geological understanding.

While these minor earthquakes are unlikely to cause structural damage, they provide data for understanding regional geological stability. Residents should monitor official updates if larger seismic shifts are detected in the future.

The takeaway

Maine experiences minor seismic events regularly as part of its geological history. Residents can stay informed by checking local reports to distinguish these small tremors from larger, more impactful geological events.