Small Earthquakes Shake East Haddam

A small earthquake measuring 1.8 on the Richter scale rumbled through East Haddam over Easter weekend, causing what one witness describes as a “minor jolt.”

According to Moodus resident Elsie Snell, she heard an explosive sound on Easter evening, sometime around 7:15 p.m.

“My feet were on the floor and I felt a single minor jolt,” she says, “we checked outside and it was still except for crows complaining in the distance.”

At first, Snell thought the jolt could have been caused by a car hitting a utility pole. “But, that wouldn't be strong enough to shake the floor so I started calling neighbors in the area.”

According to Snell, a few of her neighbors heard or felt it as well. She lives on East Haddam-Colchester Tpke.

Officials at the Weston Observatory at Boston College in Massachusetts confirmed that they have documented recent activity in the area.

Their data notes the following:

• On March 31, a small earthquake measuring 1.6 on the Richter scale.
• On April 7, a slightly larger earthquake measuring 1.8 on the Richter scale.
• On April 8, activity that was “Poorly Constrained.”

Nearly one year ago on March 24, 2011, a small measuring 1.3 on the Richter scale also shook East Haddam, causing loud booming noises.

The Moodus section of town has been plagued for centuries with small earthquakes, particularly near Cave Hill and Mount Tom, which can create strange noises. 

Recently, First Selectman Mark Walter was interviewed by Wisonsin Public Radio about the phenomenom. Click this to hear his interview.

The Moodus region’s name comes from a Native American word meaning "much noises." Early settlers also documented hearing the “Moodus Noises.”

Did you hear the Moodus Noises over Easter weekend? Share your experiences in the comments below.