This was one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the region due to gas extraction. An earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale rocked a region in the north of the Netherlands on Friday.
The quake was felt at 1:16 a.m. in the village of Zeerijp, in Groningen province, the Royal Meteorological Institute (KNMI) said. It was the “third strongest earthquake ever recorded” in the region, he said.
No fatalities were reported, but the Groningen Mining Damage Institute said it had received 66 reports of damage, including twelve reports from citizens reporting “critical emergency situations”.
“Last night’s devastating earthquake was shocking,” said outgoing Premier Dick Schoof at X. “It shows the ongoing consequences of gas extraction in the province,” he added.
Empty bag after gas extraction
In 2024, the Groningen gas field, the largest in Europe, was finally closed after decades of earthquakes that traumatized the local population. This event, which occurred near the surface, was caused by vacuum pockets formed due to gas extraction.
KNMI doesn’t know when it will stop. “The number will decrease, as will the number of the most powerful earthquakes. However, this could take years,” the agency explained.
