UPDATE: A powerful 3.3-magnitude earthquake struck Lancashire just before midnight on December 3, 2023, sending shockwaves that awakened many residents. The seismic event, which occurred at 11:23 PM, has left individuals in the region reeling and sharing their experiences across social media.
The tremor was felt predominantly within a 20 km radius of the epicenter, located off the coast of Silverdale at a depth of approximately 1.86 miles (3 km). Residents from Kendal to Ulverston reported strong vibrations, with some likening the sensation to an explosion. The British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed that the quake was felt widely across the South Lakes and Lancashire regions.
Eyewitness accounts detail the intensity of the earthquake. One local described the shaking as “so powerful it felt like bricks falling,” while another noted, “my house shook, doors banged, and I felt my body move for about three seconds.” Many residents initially thought a train was passing, only to realize it was the earth trembling beneath them.
Despite the quake’s intensity, there has been no report of structural damage. The BGS typically monitors around 200 to 300 seismic events annually across the UK, with only 20 to 30 being perceptible to residents. Most tremors are minor and go unnoticed.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions. A resident from Carnforth stated, “I thought something had crashed into my house,” while another from Thornton Cleveleys remarked, “I’ve never felt anything like this before!” Reports also emerged from as far away as London, where individuals near Battersea Bridge experienced “weak shaking.”
As of now, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (ESMC) is documenting the seismic activity and encourages individuals to report their experiences. The latest quake follows a minor tremor recorded on November 17, 2023, located 257 km southeast of Plymouth, which also resulted in no significant damage.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant as aftershocks are possible. Further updates from the BGS will provide more information on the quake’s impact and any subsequent seismic activity. The community is coming together to share their experiences, highlighting the human impact of this unexpected natural phenomenon.
Stay tuned for the latest developments as authorities continue to assess the situation.
