Aftershock hits 281 years after quake

HAVERHILL, N.H., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Scientists said an earthquake felt by some New Hampshire towns during the weekend was likely an aftershock from a tremor 281 years ago.

Dr. John Ebel of the Weston Observatory in Massachusetts said the quake reported by some New Hampshire residents at about 4:35 p.m. Sunday was likely an aftershock from a 1727 earthquake in the Merrimack, N.H., area, WMUR-TV, Manchester, N.H., reported Tuesday.

Ebel said the original 5.6 magnitude quake caused numerous aftershocks in the area that have continued for nearly three centuries. He said the most recent confirmed aftershock took place in October 2007 and measured a 1.3 magnitude on the Richter scale.