UPDATE: A powerful 3.3 magnitude earthquake shook residents in Lancashire on the night of December 3, 2023, leaving many feeling alarmed and bewildered. The seismic event struck at 11:23 PM, with numerous individuals reporting their homes vibrating as if shaken by an explosion.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed the quake originated just off the coast of Silverdale, at a depth of approximately 1.86 miles (3 km). Tremors were felt widely across the region, particularly within a 20 km radius, impacting areas such as Kendal and Ulverston.
Residents took to social media to share their experiences, with one local calling it “felt like an explosion and vibration coming from underground.” Another described the sensation as “so powerful to shake the whole house,” while a third noted, “it sounded like bricks falling/the roof falling in.” The palpable fear was evident, as a resident from Carnforth exclaimed, “House shook, thought something had crashed into it.”
Despite the alarm, the BGS reports that while the UK experiences around 200 to 300 seismic events annually, only 20 to 30 are typically felt by residents. Most tremors are minor and do not cause structural damage, but the intensity of this quake has many questioning the safety of their homes.
The tremor was not restricted to Lancashire. Reports of weak shaking even came from as far away as London, where individuals near Battersea Bridge felt the effects. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) is currently collecting reports from those who experienced the quake, emphasizing the widespread nature of this seismic event.
As updates continue to roll in, the BGS has yet to document any structural damage, which is reassuring news for many in the area. However, the emotional impact on residents is significant, with many expressing their anxiety and confusion over the unexpected disturbance.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and residents are encouraged to report any further tremors. The last notable earthquake in the UK occurred on November 17, 2025, registering a smaller magnitude of 2.2 and causing no damage.
As this story develops, residents are left to ponder the implications of this unexpected seismic activity. Stay tuned for updates as authorities investigate further.
