As of: March 25, 2024 4:04 p.m
The earth shook in the Diepholz district on Monday afternoon. According to the responsible state office, the earthquake had a magnitude of 3.6 and was one of the strongest in Lower Saxony in the past ten years.
According to a spokesman for the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG), the epicenter was about three kilometers south of Syke in the Diepholz district. The nearby B6 was not damaged in the quake. According to the LBEG, there was minor damage to buildings. The reason for the movements underground is probably the natural gas field “Klosterseelte/Kirchseelte/Ortholz”, which is operated by the energy company ExxonMobil. Gas production creates tensions and weak areas underground, said the spokesman. These tensions would be suddenly reduced during an earthquake. It was said that no aftershocks were to be expected. The last time there was an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 was in 2018 near Lastrup (Cloppenburg district).
Natural gas field operator required to provide evidence
According to the spokesman, the LBEG will determine a so-called area of influence. If damage occurs within this area, the burden of proof is reversed. This means that people who notice damage to buildings in connection with the earthquake do not have to prove that this was caused by the underground movement. Instead, the operator of the natural gas field is obliged to demonstrate that he is not responsible for the damage caused. According to its own information, the state office still wants to provide more detailed information on the extent of the area of influence.
The ground is also shaking in Emlichheim
On the night from Saturday to Sunday the earth also shook in Emlichheim (County Bentheim district). With a magnitude of 2.1, the quake was easily noticeable, the LBEG said. Here too, natural gas production in the area was probably the cause. Near Emlichheim, the Wintershall DEA company produces natural gas and crude oil. There have been no earthquakes recorded in the county of Bentheim and Emsland for ten years.
Further information
The epicenter of the earthquake was about five kilometers south of Emstek and had a magnitude of 2.2. (09/06/2022) more
There are fears of earthquakes on the islands, which could pose a threat to drinking water. The lawyer hopes for a delay. (08/19/2022) more
The earth shook between Bassum and Neubruchhausen on Wednesday. So far there is no evidence of damage to houses. (07/22/2021) more
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NDR 1 Lower Saxony | Current | 03/25/2024 | 3:00 p.m