PEABODY — Things have been shaky in the city as of late.
On Aug. 18, the United States Geological Survey confirmed that a 1.3-magnitude earthquake occurred at 3:15 p.m. with an epicenter 0.5 miles north of downtown Peabody. This is the third earthquake within the month; the first earthquake of the year occurred in February.
Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. stated that this has become a major concern for city officials, with residents across the Tanner City left unsettled.
“People across the city are just very concerned about what’s been taking place here,” said the mayor.
Bettencourt added that the city has been in contact with a number of state agencies to learn about these strange occurrences. While this is a new phenomenon for Peabody residents, the mayor did say that these incidents are natural in origin.
“Certainly in the New England area there are a large number of fault lines, and (there) are certainly some near where we are here in Peabody,” Bettencourt said. “It’s been explained to me that it’s a natural phenomenon that there are three measurable earthquakes.”
As the city does not have the expertise to explain these occurrences, they are bringing in some outside help. A community forum will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25, with Boston College Professor of Geophysics Dr. John Ebel and a representative from the United States Geological Survey in attendance to answer residents’ questions
Bettencourt described the forum as an event that needs to happen.
“This is extremely important to be able to get out information to the public because, understandably, they are very concerned, they are very nervous,” said Bettencourt. “We’re at this point unable to provide many answers because this is just not an area that us, as city officials, are very familiar with.
“We needed to bring experts into Peabody to have this community forum, to answer questions, to provide information and really have the city residents be heard about their concerns,” he added.
City Councilor Anne Manning-Martin stated that she has heard from many constituents who say they have felt the earthquakes, and said that she is looking forward to the meeting and learning as much about the incidents as she can. She also applauded the mayor for having the forum.
“That’s the first step here, is to find out as much information as we can and find out what’s going on,” Manning-Martin said.
