A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 2.9 struck Lancashire on Monday, sending tremors through parts of the North West of England. The seismic event, confirmed by the British Geological Survey (BGS), occurred just before 9:45 PM local time.
Residents Report Sudden Tremors and Rumbling
The quake's epicentre was located approximately 5 kilometres north-east of Blackpool, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Residents across a wide area, including in Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde, and Lytham St Annes, reported feeling the ground shake. Many took to social media to describe a sudden, loud rumbling noise followed by a distinct vibration that lasted for several seconds.
One resident from Poulton-le-Fylde described the experience as "like a large lorry had hit the house," while others reported hearing what sounded like an explosion or a heavy object falling. The BGS's online earthquake tracker received dozens of reports from members of the public within minutes of the event occurring, helping to quickly pinpoint the location and strength of the tremor.
Understanding the Seismic Activity
While earthquakes of this magnitude are considered minor and rarely cause significant damage, they are felt more strongly in the UK due to the country's relatively hard and brittle crust, which transmits seismic energy efficiently. The BGS noted that this event is a reminder that the UK is not immune to seismic activity.
The last notable earthquake in the region was a magnitude 3.0 event near Blackpool in 2019. The BGS records and monitors hundreds of small tremors across the British Isles every year, with the majority being too faint to be felt by the population. Earthquakes in the UK are typically attributed to the regional stress field within the Earth's crust, often related to the ongoing uplift of landmasses since the last Ice Age.
No Damage Reported, But a Stark Reminder
Initial checks by local authorities and emergency services indicated no reports of structural damage or injuries. Lancashire Police confirmed they had received several calls from concerned residents but that no police response was required.
Seismologists at the BGS have analysed the data and confirmed the event's parameters. They emphasise that while such tremors can be alarming, they are a natural geological occurrence. The earthquake serves as a useful reminder for the public to be aware of what to do during stronger seismic events, such as dropping to the ground, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops.
Experts continue to monitor the area for any potential aftershocks, though these are expected to be very minor if they occur at all. The event has sparked conversation online about the UK's geological landscape and the history of seismic activity in regions not commonly associated with earthquakes.
