Residents across north-west England were jolted awake overnight as a noticeable earthquake shook the region, causing homes to tremble and rattling nerves.
Details of the Overnight Tremor
The British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed the seismic event, which registered a magnitude of 3.3 on the Richter scale. Preliminary data indicates the quake began at 11.23pm on Wednesday, December 3. Its epicentre was located off the coast of Silverdale in Lancashire, at a relatively shallow depth of approximately 1.86 miles (3km).
The tremor was reportedly felt across the South Lakes and Lancashire areas, largely within a 20km radius of the epicentre. Locations including Kendal and Ulverston reported the shaking, with some sensations felt as far away as Preston, roughly 43km from the source.
Residents' Experiences and Reactions
Dozens of people took to social media and reporting tools to describe being woken by the unusual sensation. Accounts varied from a sudden, alarming vibration to louder, more disruptive sounds.
One resident described the experience as feeling "like an explosion and vibration coming from underground". Another stated it was "so powerful to shake the whole house", while a third reported it "sounded like bricks falling/the roof falling in".
Understanding UK Earthquakes
While the event was startling for those who felt it, seismologists note that earthquakes in the UK are relatively common, though rarely of significant strength. The BGS detects between 200 and 300 earthquakes in the UK annually.
However, of these, only around 20 to 30 are generally felt by the public. The vast majority are minor and cause no damage, with hundreds more only picked up by sensitive scientific instruments. This latest event in Lancashire serves as a reminder of the UK's low-level seismic activity, which typically results in shaking without destruction.
Authorities have not received any reports of significant structural damage following the overnight tremor, aligning with the expected impact for an earthquake of this magnitude in the region.
