UK hit by 20 earthquakes in 23 days as one space hit by three in 5 minutes – see full listing

On Nov 23, 2024

The UK has been rocked by several earthquakes over the past month, with some towns hit with multiple in one day. From the Highlands to the Bristol Channel, several residents would have been in the middle of an earthquake without even realising it.

Experts at the British Geological Society say that the UK has around 300 earthquakes a year that are picked up by advanced technology. However, only 30 are actually felt by residents. Adding to this, there are hundreds that happen a year that sometimes go unnoticed due to the need of extremely sensitive equipment.

This does not mean the UK is exempt from considerable damage. The most damaging UK earthquake in terms of intensity occurred in 1884 in Colchester, Essex. Approximately 1,200 buildings required repairs to collapsed walls, chimneys and roofs.

Click for more of the latest news from across the world from the Daily Star.

UK earthquakes — Technology is constantly monitoring for earthquakes (stock)
(Image: Getty Images)

This earthquake reached 8 on the European Macroseismic Scale. The Richter Scale is more commonly used, and details how strong an earthquake would affect an area.

In the UK, the highest earthquake measured in at 2.2, which is considered minor. At 2.5, earthquakes can be felt by us humans. However, some believe dogs and other domestic pets can feel earthquakes more closely, although this is not proved with evidence.

November 8 was considered the day with the most seismic activity, with three earthquakes hitting Loch Nevis in the Highlands. There was just a few minutes between each rumble, and the last was the most strong of all.

Earthquakes are the result of sudden movement along faults within the Earth. Continents are placed on tectonic plates, which often move and cause friction. The following areas were affected by earthquakes over the last month, along with their placement on the Richter Scale.

UK earthquakes list for November 2024

November 22, Strachur, Argyll and Bute, 1.0
November 21, Innishannon, Country Cork, 0.6
November 20, Hayscastle, Dyfed, 1.4
November 20, Loch Nevis, Highlands, 0.7
November 19, Innishannon, County Cork, 1.6
November 18, Hartsop, Cumbria, 1.5
November 16, Hartsop, Cumbria, 1.4
November 15, Kilchoan, Argyll & Bute, 1.0
November 15, Mallaig, Highland, 1.3
November 12, Irish Sea, 0.8
November 10, Worminghall, Bucks, 2.2
November 10, Comrie, Perth & Kinross, 0.9
November 8, Loch Nevis, Highland, 1.4
November 8, Loch Nevis, Highland, 1.3
November 8, Loch Nevis, Highland, 1.3
November 6, Applecross, Highland, 0.9
November 5, Hinderwell, North Yorkshire, 1.3
November 4, Bacton, Herefordshire, 0.9
November 3, Mull, Argyll & Bute, 0.9
October 28, Bristol Channel, 0.8

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.