An earthquake with a 3.3 magnitude has been felt near Hertfordshire.
The British Geological Survey said it is investigating reports of an earthquake in Bedfordshire, Leighton Buzzard at around 8.45am this morning.
In a tweet, the BGS said: “We are getting reports of an earthquake in the Bedfordshire area. We are currently investigating this event and will post again shortly with an update.”
The BGS said one report suggested the earthquake was like a “large explosion”.
BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: LEIGHTON BUZZARD, BEDFORDSHIRE 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 08:45 UTC 3.3 ML
— British Geological Survey (@BritGeoSurvey) September 8, 2020
DATE: 8 SEPTEMBER 2020
Time (UTC): 08:45:29.2
LAT / LONG: 51.940° North / 0.695° West
DEPTH (km): 10
MAG: 3.3ML
INTENSITY: 3 EMS
REGION: 3KM NW OF LEIGHTON BUZZARD, BEDS pic.twitter.com/bMnb48PZvz
BGS is receiving many notifications from press & public in this heavily populated area. Reports include “like a convey of HGVs driving past my front door at great speed”, “the house had one dramatic shake”, “felt like whole house was shaking” & “it was like a large explosion”.
— British Geological Survey (@BritGeoSurvey) September 8, 2020
Bedfordshire Police said the force was taking a “large” number of calls from the public but no injuries have been reported.
Actually thought my house was falling down 😂 #earthquake pic.twitter.com/X7YN5ruJhI
— Dean Gray (@DeanoGee) September 8, 2020
A tweet said: “Our control room are currently experiencing a large number of calls due to an earthquake which was felt across the county. We have currently received no reports of any injuries or major structural damage.”
Our control room are currently experiencing a large number of calls due to an earthquake which was felt across the county. We have currently received no reports of any injuries or major structural damage. https://t.co/pQ0K66YfMF
— Bedfordshire Police (@bedspolice) September 8, 2020
Witnesses told the PA news agency they felt “strong” shaking during the tremor.
Usha Chapman from Luton said: “I was on a video call with my mum when I felt a sideways push. The door rattled and the TV fixed to the wall also rattled.
“It lasted for five seconds.”
One person in Aylesbury wrote online that their house shook “as if it was hit by a vehicle”.
Another from Dacorum said: “Short quick quiet boom like an explosion.”
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