Slight Earthquake Rocks Limburg: ‘Not Uncommon’ in the Region
A mild earthquake with a magnitude of 2.4 struck Limburg this morning, according to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The epicenter was located in Kerkrade, with the earthquake occurring shortly after 8:00 AM.
Characterized as a minor event, the earthquake was triggered by natural tensions in the Earth’s crust, a phenomenon known as a " tektonische aardbeving." Despite its proximity to the surface—just 5 kilometers deep—the vibrations were strongly felt in Kerkrade and its surroundings, likened by witnesses to the rumble of a passing truck.
The Veiligheidsregio Zuid-Limburg confirmed that no reports of damage have been received following the seismic event.
Läslo Evers, head of seismology at the KNMI, dismissed the earthquake as ‘not uncommon’ in the region. "This type of natural earthquake is known in Limburg and was not particularly strong," he said. He added that while the earthquake was felt due to its shallow depth, it was not unusually intense.
Prior to today’s event, the most powerful earthquake recorded in the Netherlands was a magnitude 5.8 tremor that struck Roermond in 1992, resulting in significant damage. In contrast, last year’s heaviest earthquake in the same region registered at magnitude 1.7, while Groningen experienced a 2.2 magnitude earthquake attributed to gas extraction.
While today’s earthquake was the strongest recorded in the Netherlands last year, it was not severe enough to cause concern or damage. The country’s geological stability continues to be closely monitored by the KNMI.
