66 damage reports filed in Groningen after Zeerijp earthquake; Politicians offer support

The Institute for Mining Damage Groningen had received 66 reports from people affected by the overnight earthquake by 12:00 p.m. Friday, and dozens more contacted the organization by phone. A total of 12 residents reported an Acutely Unsafe Situation. “These cases will be scheduled as soon as possible to assess on-site whether immediate measures are needed,” the institute said.

An earthquake measuring 3.4, followed by a 2.1 aftershock, rattled Zeerijp and nearby communities. It is the most powerful quake recorded in Groningen since the 3.1 event that struck Wirdum in October 2022.

The institute will keep processing damage reports and expects to release updated figures around 5 p.m. on Friday. Its telephone service desk will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, support centers in Loppersum and Garrelsweer will open to assist residents from the Zeerijp area.

King’s Commissioner René Paas said the earthquake near Zeerijp “shattered the hope that halting gas production would stop major quakes.” He called it a heavy blow for people living in Groningen and nearby communities.

Paas warned that it could take weeks to fully assess the damage. “The commitment was to make damage repairs and reinforcements more straightforward, humane, and manageable. This is the moment to show that we can deliver on that promise,” the commissioner said.

Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on X that the cabinet stands with Groningen following last night’s earthquake. “The shock is palpable,” he wrote about the 3.4-magnitude tremor.

Schoof described it as “proof of the continuing effects of gas extraction in the province” and emphasized that the government remains committed to strengthening buildings, handling damage claims, and supporting Groningen’s economic future.

D66 leader Rob Jetten is heading to Groningen to meet with residents impacted by the earthquake. “I’m on my way now,” he said Friday afternoon, following a meeting with the informateurs. He added that he had already spoken Friday morning with some residents “who woke up this morning truly shaken.”

State Secretary Eddie van Marum is also traveling to the earthquake-affected area on Friday. Residents can share their concerns at the community center in Zeerijp, where the quake struck. The mayor and local council were already there on Friday.

Several other party leaders issued responses to the news. Mirjam Bikker said on X that it is “unthinkable” that any parties continue to support gas extraction in Groningen. The ChristenUnie leader expressed solidarity with the residents, saying they “deserve our support.”

SGP leader Chris Stoffer described it as “unacceptable” that people in Groningen continue to live in “earthquake anxiety.” He said the government must fulfill its commitments, including strengthening houses, “without resuming gas extraction.”

Jesse Klaver of GroenLinks-PvdA said that Groningen “once again experienced the consequences of gas extraction” last night. Jimmy Dijk, Dilan Yeşilgöz, and Laurens Dassen also voiced their support for the residents of Groningen.