Oklahoma experienced a sequence of earthquakes from Friday evening to Saturday morning, with at least two registering a magnitude of 4.4.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.2 magnitude earthquake at 9:37 p.m. CT near Arcadia, just northeast of Oklahoma City.
Approximately 10 minutes later, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake was recorded about four miles west of Arcadia, as reported by the USGS and the local ABC News affiliate KOCO.
Subsequently, two lesser earthquakes with magnitudes of 2.7 and 2.5, respectively, were observed, as per the information from the USGS.
On Saturday morning, seismic activity resumed, with a 2.6 magnitude earthquake recorded near Acadia around 4:45 a.m. CT.
Approximately an hour later, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake occurred, this time in the vicinity of Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City, according to data from the USGS. Subsequently, a smaller earthquake with a magnitude of 2.7 struck around 6:55 a.m. CT.
As of Saturday morning, no damages or injuries have been reported. Nevertheless, the USGS notes that earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.9 or lower typically result in disturbances and may be perceptible to many individuals indoors, while those with a magnitude of 5.0 or higher are more likely to cause damage.
The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) issued a statement on Saturday, indicating “strong shaking in the immediate area and across Oklahoma City” as a consequence of the seismic activity.
The OGS emphasized in its statement, “While the majority of aftershocks are of lesser magnitude than the mainshock, a small fraction may result in earthquakes larger than the initial event.”
The area continues to face a heightened seismic hazard. Citizens are advised to secure items that could shake during potential strong aftershocks and to practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold On protocol in the event of destructive occurrences.
The recent earthquakes did not reach the intensity of the most powerful quake recorded in the state’s history, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on September 3, 2016, near Pawnee in northern Oklahoma.
In March 2017, the Pawnee Nation initiated a lawsuit in tribal court against certain Oklahoma oil companies, alleging that the injection of wastewater underground by these companies contributed to the occurrence of the earthquake.
Twitter
Facebook