Series of Earthquakes Strike Oklahoma; No Damage Reported

A series of earthquakes has struck Oklahoma, with no damages or injuries reported so far. The seismic activity began on Friday evening and continued into Saturday morning.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded several earthquakes, including a 3.2 magnitude earthquake near Arcadia, northeast of Oklahoma City. Approximately 10 minutes later, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake occurred just west of Arcadia. Two smaller earthquakes, measuring 2.7 and 2.5 magnitudes, respectively, were also recorded.

On Saturday morning, the tremors resumed with a 2.6 magnitude earthquake near Arcadia at around 4:45 a.m. CT. An hour later, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit near Edmond, north of Oklahoma City. Another smaller earthquake, measuring 2.7 magnitude, followed at 6:55 a.m. CT.

No damages or injuries have been reported so far. It’s worth noting that earthquakes below 4.9 magnitudes usually cause minimal disturbances and might only be felt indoors. The seismic hazard in the area remains significant.

The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) issued a statement acknowledging the earthquakes and the impact they had on the immediate area and Oklahoma City, indicating strong shaking. The OGS advises residents to secure valuable items that could shake during potential aftershocks and to follow safety protocols such as Drop, Cover, and Hold On in case of more severe tremors.

This series of earthquakes does not match the strongest ever recorded in Oklahoma’s history, which was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake near Pawnee on September 3, 2016, in the northern part of the state.

In March 2017, a lawsuit was filed against some Oklahoma oil companies in tribal court, alleging that their underground wastewater injections were responsible for causing earthquakes.