Severe Earthquake Recorded in Oldenburg District: Tremors Felt Across Niedersachsen

Oldenburg - A significant earthquake has shaken the Oldenburg district, with tremors felt over a wide area. According to the Lower Saxony State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology (LBEG), a seismic event measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale was recorded on Tuesday at 2:33 PM near Wardenburg, Niedersachsen. This marks the strongest earthquake in the region since monitoring began.

The spokesperson for the LBEG, Eike Bruns, stated that this earthquake is unprecedented in strength for the area between Oldenburg and Cloppenburg. It was reported that the tremors were perceptible within a 15-kilometer radius of the epicenter. Preliminary reports indicate that there were minor damages resulting from the earthquake, and the agency is currently investigating the incident further.

In an effort to gather more information, the LBEG has encouraged local residents to share their experiences through the agency's website. This community input will assist in accurately determining the epicenter and understanding the event's impact.

Investigation into the Cause

Experts from the LBEG have indicated that the earthquake is not of tectonic origin but is likely linked to the extraction of natural gas in the region. Bruns explained that the epicenter appears to be located within the Hengstlage/Sage/Sagermeer and Hengstlage gas fields. The process of gas extraction can create pressures in the underground layers, which, when released suddenly at weak points, can result in noticeable surface tremors.

Historical Context of Earthquakes in Niedersachsen

The recent event in Wardenburg adds to a list of significant earthquakes recorded in Niedersachsen's history. Below are some of the notable earthquakes:

• Rotenburg: October 20, 2004 - Magnitude 4.5
• Soltau: June 2, 1977 - Magnitude 4.0
• Syke: July 15, 2005 - Magnitude 3.8
• Lastrup: October 1, 2018 - Magnitude 3.6
• Syke: March 25, 2024 - Magnitude 3.6
• Völkersen: November 20, 2019 - Magnitude 3.2
• Wardenburg: April 1, 2025 - Magnitude 3.2
• Syke: May 1, 2014 - Magnitude 3.2
• Cloppenburg: December 19, 2014 - Magnitude 3.1
• Völkersen: April 22, 2016 - Magnitude 3.1

Seismologists note that earthquakes of magnitude 3 or above can be felt in populated areas, while those reaching magnitude 5 or higher are typically associated with significant structural damage.