A rare earthquake rattled Westminster, one of Britain's most historic and politically significant areas, early this morning, leaving residents and visitors startled.
The tremor, measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale, struck just before dawn, with reports of shaking buildings and rattling windows across central London.
Eyewitness Accounts
"I thought a lorry had crashed into the building," said local café owner James Wilson. "The whole place shook for a few seconds—it was surreal."
Tourists near the Houses of Parliament described feeling the ground move beneath them, with some mistaking it for underground train vibrations.
Expert Analysis
Seismologists confirmed this was one of the strongest quakes to hit London in recent years. "While the UK isn't known for seismic activity, small tremors do occur," explained Dr. Emma Carter from the British Geological Survey.
The quake's epicentre was located approximately 5km beneath Westminster, with vibrations felt across several boroughs.
Safety Reassurances
Authorities quickly confirmed no significant damage or injuries were reported. A spokesperson for Westminster Council stated: "Our infrastructure is designed to withstand such events, and all buildings remain safe."
Transport for London reported no disruptions to underground services, though some commuters reported feeling slight vibrations on early morning tubes.
