An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.4 was recorded this morning in Limburg, with the epicenter near Kerkrade, according to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The institute describes it as a minor quake.
The earthquake occurred shortly after 7:00 AM and was tectonic in nature, caused by stress in the Earth’s crust. The South Limburg Safety Region reported no damage.
Läslo Evers, head of seismology at KNMI, stated that such natural quakes are common in Limburg and that this one was not particularly large. However, due to its shallow depth of 5 kilometers, it was strongly felt in Kerkrade and the surrounding area.
Many residents reported feeling the quake, comparing it to a passing truck. Despite being stronger than last year’s largest quake in Groningen, which had a magnitude of 2.2 and was induced by gas extraction, this recent tremor in Limburg was not severe.
The strongest natural earthquake last year in Limburg had a magnitude of 1.7. The most significant earthquake in the Netherlands was in April 1992 in Roermond, with a magnitude of 5.8, causing considerable damage.
Source: NOS