URGENT UPDATE: A 3.3-magnitude earthquake has just struck England, sending shockwaves through homes from Lancashire to London. The earthquake hit at 11:23 PM on October 18, 2023, at a depth of 1.86 miles (3 km), according to the British Geological Survey (BGS). Reports are flooding in from residents who felt their homes shaking in the middle of the night.
The BGS confirmed that the tremors affected areas within 20 kilometers of the epicenter, including Kendal and Ulverston. Witnesses described the sensation as “an explosion and vibration coming from underground,” with many saying it was powerful enough to shake their entire houses. At least 1,056 shake reports have been logged so far, highlighting the widespread impact of this seismic event.
A spokesperson from Volcano Discovery noted that this quake marks the second significant seismic activity in Great Britain within a 24-hour period. “In the past 24 hours, England has had two quakes of magnitude 3.0, the largest being a 3.4 magnitude quake,” they stated.
Residents shared their harrowing experiences on social media. One individual in Carnforth described the terrifying moment, saying, “I thought something had crashed into the house or the house was falling down! Very scary and never felt anything like that before.” Another local reported feeling as if “a vehicle had crashed into the building” during the quake.
Even those in London felt the effects, with reports of a “weak shaking” reaching Chelsea. A resident there remarked, “It felt like the whole room was moving.” The widespread sensation across such a large area underscores the quake’s intensity.
Since 2025, England has recorded 66 earthquakes of magnitude up to 3.4, with the BGS typically detecting between 200 and 300 earthquakes annually across the UK. Most of these quakes are minor and often go unnoticed.
As authorities continue to assess the situation, residents are urged to stay alert for aftershocks and remain informed through official channels. This developing story highlights the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the region, and it’s crucial for everyone to be prepared for potential further tremors.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as more information becomes available.
