New York is not usually associated with earthquakes, but the state has experienced several seismic events that caused damage and fatalities. Here is a list of the deadliest earthquakes that occurred in New York in the past 100 years, based on the number of deaths and injuries reported.

1. The 1929 Grand Banks Earthquake

The Grand Banks earthquake of November 18, 1929 was a magnitude 7.2 quake that occurred off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The quake triggered a massive underwater landslide that generated a series of destructive tsunamis that hit the shores of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New England. The tsunamis killed 28 people in Newfoundland and injured hundreds more. In New York, the tsunamis caused minor damage to boats and docks, but no casualties were reported. However, the quake was felt throughout the state, especially in Long Island and New York City, where it rattled buildings and frightened residents.

2. The 1935 Timiskaming Earthquake

The Timiskaming earthquake of November 1, 1935 was a magnitude 6.2 quake that occurred near the border of Ontario and Quebec, Canada. The quake was felt across a large area of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, including New York. The quake caused some damage to buildings and infrastructure, such as cracked walls, broken windows, and fallen chimneys. The quake also triggered landslides and rockfalls in some areas. In New York, the quake killed one person and injured four others, mostly due to falling debris and panic.

3. The 1944 Massena-Cornwall Earthquake

The Massena-Cornwall earthquake of September 5, 1944 was a magnitude 5.8 quake that occurred near the border of New York and Ontario, Canada. The quake was the largest recorded in the history of New York and was felt across a wide region of the United States and Canada. The quake caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in the epicentral area, such as collapsed walls, cracked foundations, and ruptured pipes. The quake also disrupted power and communication lines and triggered minor landslides and liquefaction. In New York, the quake killed two people and injured 15 others, mostly due to falling objects and panic.

4. The 1983 Goodnow Earthquake

The Goodnow earthquake of October 7, 1983 was a magnitude 5.3 quake that occurred near the town of Goodnow, New York. The quake was the second largest recorded in the history of New York and was felt throughout the state and neighboring regions. The quake caused moderate damage to buildings and infrastructure in the epicentral area, such as cracked plaster, broken windows, and shifted furniture. The quake also triggered minor rockfalls and landslides in some areas. In New York, the quake killed one person and injured three others, mostly due to heart attacks and stress.

5. The 2002 Au Sable Forks Earthquake

The Au Sable Forks earthquake of April 20, 2002 was a magnitude 5.1 quake that occurred near the town of Au Sable Forks, New York. The quake was the third largest recorded in the history of New York and was felt across the state and neighboring regions. The quake caused minor damage to buildings and infrastructure in the epicentral area, such as cracked walls, broken dishes, and fallen pictures. The quake also triggered minor landslides and rockfalls in some areas. In New York, the quake killed one person and injured two others, both due to heart attacks.

Conclusion

New York may not be a high-risk area for earthquakes, but the state has witnessed several deadly quakes in the past 100 years. These quakes have caused damage, injuries, and fatalities, as well as fear and anxiety among the population. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards and preparedness measures for earthquakes, even in a low-seismicity region like New York.