Over 100 homes report damage after two earthquakes shake Assen area

More than 110 damage reports have been filed following two earthquakes near the Eleveld gas field in Drenthe, authorities said Sunday. Officials warn that the number of claims could continue to rise.

The first earthquake struck at 2:14 a.m. Friday night with a magnitude of 3.0. A smaller aftershock, measuring 1.3, occurred three hours later at 5:14 a.m., according to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).

A spokesperson for the Mining Damage Committee said reports continue to arrive “at any moment,” with most coming from Assen, the provincial capital. Other reports originated from surrounding towns. The committee noted that damage includes both interior and exterior harm to homes. Residents can submit claims for compensation up to one year after the earthquakes.

The municipality of Assen called for a compensation process that is “mild, easy, and humane.” Officials from Aa en Hunze and Midden-Drenthe voiced similar support, urging the national government to provide clear guidance quickly.

Drenthe provincial authorities expressed shock over the quakes. “Residents were literally shaken awake by the earthquake. We are shocked by its strength. We understand that this raises concerns and questions,” said Agnes Mulder, the King’s Commissioner for Drenthe.

Provincial deputy Bart van Dekken said damage handling “must be different and better,” though he did not provide details. Mulder emphasized Drenthe’s commitment to improving procedures and expressed appreciation that the national government contacted the province immediately Saturday.

Of more than 2,000 earthquakes linked to gas extraction in the Netherlands, only 25 have reached a magnitude of 3.0 or higher. The last quake of this size in Drenthe occurred in October 2000.