2014 Waugoshance earthquake

The  occurred on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 2:37 p.m. local time. The shock was centered on the mainland of Michigan near Point Waugoshance, just a mile west of the small town of Westhampton. The intense 7.7 Magnitude quake was responsible for 412 fatalities and over 23,000 injuries; a total injury count is uncertain at this point. The shock wreaked approximately $190 billion in damage (perhaps more), and is by far the costliest natural disaster the United States has experienced to date.

The shock affected a ten county region in northern Michigan, with the most impact being felt in Ste. Marie, Michigan. The earthquake confirms seismologists theories that the Les Cheneaux Seismic Zone is beginning to accumulate stress in its northern half, making the potential for damaging earthquakes even greater in Ste. Marie.