UPDATE: A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck England late last night, sending shockwaves across the UK, including reports from London and as far as Lancashire. The seismic event occurred at 11:23 PM on Wednesday, just three kilometers below the surface, and has left Britons rattled, with many describing the sensation as “terrifying.”
The British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed the earthquake, noting that it was felt primarily within a 20-kilometer radius of its epicenter. Initial reports indicate that over 1,056 shake reports have been logged, with residents in Kendal, Ulverston, and even as far away as Blackpool experiencing the tremor.
Witnesses described the quake’s intensity, with one local from Carnforth stating, “I thought something had crashed into the house!” echoing sentiments of fear shared by others who felt their homes shaking. Another resident reported their room shaking for up to five seconds after hearing a loud rumble, stating, “It felt as though it was moving.”
The BGS noted that this tremor is the second earthquake to hit Great Britain within a 24-hour period, with the previous quake also measuring above 3.0 on the Richter scale. “In the past 24 hours, England has had two quakes of magnitude 3.0, the largest being a 3.4 quake,” a BGS spokesperson confirmed.
Social media has been flooded with accounts of the quake, with many describing it as feeling like “an explosion” or “bricks falling.” One individual in London even reported experiencing a “weak shaking,” underscoring the quake’s widespread impact.
The BGS reports that typically between 200 and 300 earthquakes occur in the UK each year, though only a handful are felt by residents. Since 2025, there have been 66 earthquakes of magnitude up to 3.4, indicating a noticeable uptick in seismic activity.
Residents are advised to stay alert and report any further tremors to local authorities. As communities assess the situation, the BGS continues to monitor seismic activity across the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation as officials work to gather more information on the earthquake’s impact and implications.
