Earthquake Rumbles Northeast of Edmonton

Earthquake Rumbles

Northeast of Edmonton

4.0 magnitude quake felt in central Alberta,

second tremor this year

4.0 magnitude quake felt in central Alberta, second tremor this year

A 4.0 magnitude earthquake shook central Alberta on Saturday, with the epicenter located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Fort Saskatchewan. The seismic activity was lightly felt by residents in the area, though no damage has been reported to Earthquakes Canada.

Earthquake Details

Magnitude: 4.0

Location: 50 km northeast of Fort Saskatchewan

Depth: 2 kilometres underground

Impact: Lightly felt, no damage reported

Date: May 9, 2026

What Residents Experienced

The relatively small tremor was described as a light shake by those who felt it. Despite being noticeable, the earthquake's shallow depth and moderate magnitude meant it caused no structural damage or injuries in the region.

Not the First This Year

This marks the second earthquake to hit the Greater Edmonton Area in 2026. In early April, a slightly stronger 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Morinville. Both quakes have been relatively minor, causing more curiosity than concern among local residents.

Earthquake Activity in Alberta

While not commonly associated with seismic activity, Alberta does experience earthquakes from time to time. Most are minor and cause little to no damage. The province sits on stable continental crust, but occasional stress releases do occur, particularly in areas with oil and gas extraction activities.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Though rare in our region, it's good to be prepared:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On - Get under sturdy furniture if possible

Stay away from windows and heavy objects that could fall

If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines

After the shaking stops, check for injuries and damage

Stay Informed

Earthquakes Canada monitors seismic activity across the country and provides real-time information about earthquakes. Residents can report felt earthquakes through their website to help scientists better understand regional seismic patterns.