A 3.3-magnitude earthquake jolted homes in Northwest England, particularly in Lancashire, on Wednesday night. The tremor struck shortly after 23:23, as reported by the British Geological Survey (BGS). It was felt in various locations, including the southern Lake District, Kendal, and Ulverston, all within 12 miles of the epicenter, believed to be Silverdale in Lancashire.
Experiences from Local Residents
Residents shared their alarming experiences during the quake. Nikki Maddox, owner of the Blossom Bird coffee shop in Silverdale, recounted her terrifying moment as the tremors began. “I heard an enormous rumble, and it shook the whole house. It felt like my roof was caving in,” she stated. The quake lasted approximately 20 seconds, during which she feared for the safety of her home.
Silverdale Parish Councillor Liz Unsworth described the event as feeling like her house was “disintegrating” around her. She had just returned home when the shaking started, leaving her and her neighbors in confusion over the cause.
Impact on the Community
Katrina Simmons, a Carnforth resident located 4.8 miles from the epicenter, was abruptly awakened by the tremors. “I thought someone had driven into the house,” she recalled. Her fear subsided only after checking social media, realizing it was an earthquake and not an explosion, as initially suspected.
Residents first thought it could have been an explosion due to the loud bang associated with the quake. The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that many in the area heard or felt this noise around Carnforth. Reports indicated that local police also received calls about potential explosions.
Scientific Details of the Earthquake
- Magnitude: 3.3
- Depth: 1.86 miles
- Epicenter: Near Silverdale, Lancashire
- Areas Affected: Within 12 miles of the epicenter
- Reports Collected: Over 1,000, some from as far as Blackpool
Despite the widespread concern, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Officials stated they were monitoring the situation, with police and emergency services present in the area.
Understanding Earthquake Occurrences in the UK
The BGS notes that, on average, around 300 earthquakes are detected in the UK annually, with only a small fraction being felt by residents. Earthquakes like this serve as a reminder of the natural forces at play beneath the Earth’s surface.
As the community begins to recover from the shock, residents continue to discuss the event on social media, reflecting on their experiences during the unsettling tremor in Northwest England.
