BREAKING: A powerful 3.3-magnitude earthquake struck Lancashire, UK, overnight, leaving residents shaken and alarmed. The seismic event occurred at 11:23 PM on December 3, 2023, and was felt across a wide area, prompting numerous reports of homes vibrating intensely.
The tremor originated off the coast of Silverdale, at a depth of 1.86 miles (3 km), according to preliminary data from the British Geological Survey (BGS). Residents from towns including Kendal, Ulverston, and even as far as Preston—approximately 43 km from the epicenter—reported being awakened by the jarring sensation.
Social media exploded with accounts of the quake, with one resident describing the experience as feeling “like an explosion and vibration coming from underground.” Another stated it was “so powerful to shake the whole house,” while someone else reported it “sounded like bricks falling/the roof falling in.” The widespread reaction highlights the quake’s impact, with many residents expressing shock and disbelief.
The BGS confirmed that while the UK typically experiences around 200 to 300 seismic events annually, only about 20 to 30 are noticeable to residents. Most tremors are minor and often go undetected by the public, but this one clearly resonated with many. One local from Carnforth remarked, “House shook, thought something had crashed into it,” while another from Thornton Cleveleys shared, “My house shook, doors banged, and I felt my body and the sofa move for about three seconds! Never felt one before!”
Additionally, reports even came from London, where a resident near Battersea Bridge experienced “weak shaking.” The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (ESMC) is documenting these experiences and encourages individuals to report their sensations to map the quake’s reach.
Currently, no structural damage has been reported, and experts believe the tremor was relatively shallow, contributing to its felt intensity. The last comparable seismic event in the UK occurred on November 17, 2023, with a smaller magnitude of 2.2, also causing no damage.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents are advised to stay alert for any aftershocks and to report any unusual occurrences. The sense of unease lingers in the community as many grapple with the sudden scare of the earthquake.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as officials assess the impact and response.
