Oklahoma Earthquake; What We Know So Far
Late on Friday, an earthquake registering 5.1 in magnitude rocked the vicinity of Oklahoma City, accompanied by subsequent smaller tremors in the following hours, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Here is what we know so far.
No injuries were reported, and damage appeared minimal, mainly consisting of items dislodged or shaken from shelves inside homes, according to Charlotte Brown, Lincoln County Deputy Emergency Management Director.
The quake, centered 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of Prague, Oklahoma, approximately 57 miles (92 kilometers) east of Oklahoma City, struck at 11:24 p.m., according to the agency. Residents from Lawton to Enid to Tulsa reported feeling the shaking.
The initial earthquake was succeeded by at least eight smaller tremors through Saturday morning, ranging in strength from magnitude 2.5 to 3.4, according to the geological survey.
Notably shallow at just 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) deep, such quakes close to the surface can intensify shaking. Over recent years, Oklahoma has experienced thousands of earthquakes, often linked to the underground injection of wastewater from oil and natural gas extraction, particularly in the Arbuckle formation around Prague.
The epicenter of this recent earthquake nearly mirrored the 2011 quake, according to Matt Skinner, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry. Action has been taken to limit wastewater injection in areas within 10 miles of the quake, with temporary halts on disposal wells.
This seismic activity follows a pattern in the region, where efforts have been made to manage the associated risks and minimize potential damage.
Oklahoma’s increased seismic activity is believed to be associated with wastewater disposal practices related to oil and gas extraction, particularly hydraulic fracturing or fracking. The injection of wastewater into disposal wells can increase underground pressure, potentially triggering earthquakes.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has implemented measures to address this issue, including the establishment of areas with restrictions on disposal well operations. Scientists and regulators continue to study and monitor the situation to better understand the causes and mitigate seismic risks.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for possible earthquakes by securing heavy furniture and having an emergency plan in place.
