A rare earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale shook northwest England late Wednesday night, startling residents and waking many from their sleep. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred approximately 1.86 miles east of the village of Warton at a depth of 6 miles. Meanwhile, the British Geological Survey (BGS) recorded the quake’s magnitude slightly lower at 3.3 and stated its depth at 1.86 miles.
The tremor was felt widely across the South Lakes and Lancashire regions, primarily within a 20-kilometer radius of the epicenter. Residents in areas including Lancashire, Kendal, and Ulverston reported sensations ranging from vibrations to loud explosions. One resident described the event as “so powerful to shake the whole house,” while social media was abuzz with contributions from startled locals. A user stated it “sounded like bricks falling/the roof falling in,” while another shared their experience of thinking the rumbling was initially a passing train.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries associated with the quake. The UK is not usually known for significant seismic activity, as it lies far from major fault lines. On average, the British Geological Survey notes that around 200 to 300 earthquakes are detected annually in the UK, yet only up to 30 are felt by the public. Most earthquakes in the region are minor, causing no harm, though historical data shows that some have resulted in considerable damage.
Remarkably, a major earthquake—one of magnitude 5—occurs roughly every 10 to 20 years in the UK, while seismic events of around 4 magnitude happen approximately every two years. The most powerful earthquake on record in recent UK history struck in 2008 when a 5.2 magnitude quake occurred near Market Rasen in northeast England.
The response from residents reveals the surprise and concern surrounding such an event in a region generally accustomed to calm. As experts emphasize, while the earthquake may have been unsettling, the likelihood of significant damage remains low, illustrating the unique seismic landscape of the United Kingdom.