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USGS: Earthquake rattles Gardiner area

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake west of Gardiner just before 3 p.m. Sunday.

GARDINER, Maine — An earthquake was reported near Gardiner Sunday afternoon. 

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 2.8 magnitude earthquake six kilometers (3.7 miles) west of Gardiner at approximately 2:50 p.m. 

People quickly took to social media to confirm the quake. Users on Facebook said it "shook the whole house" and reported the "loud rumble" felt in surrounding areas such as Monmouth, Leeds, Hallowell, Winthrop, Wayne, and Dresden. 

According to the USGS, earthquakes typically only cause damage when magnitudes surpass 4-5. Differences in soil composition, building construction, and distance from the earthquake can affect outcomes.

If you suspect you have felt an earthquake like the one identified in the Gardiner area, the USGS has a self-report tool called "Did You Feel It?" to collect and share data. Nearly 500 responses were filed as of 4 p.m. Sunday reporting the Gardiner earthquake, according to USGS. 

To learn more, you can check out this interactive map of earthquakes across the world reported each day by the USGS.

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