Damage after earthquake Groningen

Groningen was startled by an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale, in the night from Wednesday on Thursday, at 03:13 in the morning. The epicenter was in Leermens, close to Loppersum, but the quake was strong enough to be felt in the city of Groningen. So far the Dutch Petroleum Company (NAM) received 30 reports of damage, and expects more will come in.

The reports mostly concern cracks in walls and damage to tiles. The NAM will extend it's Loppersum office opening hours today so people can report damage. Reports have come in from Delfzijl, Stedum, Spijk, Garrelsweer, and Appingedam. Quakes with a magnitude around 3,0 on the Richter scale occur about once or twice a year, according to seismologist Leslo Evers from the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI). 'We notice the frequency of quakes in Groningen is increasing and the quakes are getting stronger,' said Evers. The NAM crisis team gathered early this morning to ready itself for the day ahead. The quake was heavy, according to a spokesperson, but 'in the line of expectation. We knew reducing the gas drilling around Loppersum would not immediately give results.' Damages can be reported in person at a NAM location or online.