Canadian Earthquake Shakes Philly

Buildings sway 500-miles from trembler's epicenter

A Canadian earthquake made the earth move under the feet of Philadelphians.

The moderate 5.0-magnitude quake struck along the Ontario-Quebec border in Canada just after 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey said.

The tremor lasted for about 30 seconds and shook buildings from Toronto to New York City.

Locals also reported feeling the earthquake in our area. Several calls and emails came into our newsroom asking if an earthquake had struck.

Jaclyn wrote:

"I work down in the Navy Yard and at around 2:00PM this afternoon several people I work with felt our building swaying.  Our NY office also felt this movement.  Was there an earthquake reported on the east coast?"

Air traffic controllers and pilots at Philadelphia International Airport also felt the movement, according to airport staffers.

One worker told NBC Philadelphia he heard the control tower asking the pilot of a US Airways flight on the tarmac whether they felt a rumbling. The pilot said it was strong enough to make the plane's wings bounce.

No damage or injuries were reported, but the shaking was sobering nonetheless for people who think quakes only strike in California.

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