2.2 magnitude earthquake in Groningen town

A 2.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Groningen province shortly after midnight. The epicenter was near the town of Usquert, the KNMI reported. The meteorological institute spoke of an “induced earthquake,” which means that it was caused by decades of gas extraction in the area.

The quake happened at 00:22 a.m. on Wednesday at a depth of 3 kilometers, 20 kilometers north of the city of Groningen. No injuries were reported. The extent of the material damage is yet to be determined.

The quake was felt in various places in the area, including Warffum, Ruttum, and Winsum, according to RTV Noord. “I woke up with a shock. Dull, hard thud, audible bang, vibrating windows in frames and doors,” one local said to the broadcaster. On social media, locals report being shaken awake and rattling windows and mirrors.

Measuring 2.2 on the Richter’s scale, the overnight earthquake was just as strong as the strongest earthquake in Groningen last year, according to NOS. The strongest gas extraction earthquake to date was in August 2012 in Huizinge, with a magnitude of 3.6. The quakes are caused by the underground pressure differences that have arisen due to the decades of gas extraction in the area.