Six earthquakes hit Switzerland, including rare M4.1
Between 11:28 UTC on October 24 and 13:00 UTC on October 25, EMSC registered a total of 6 earthquakes in Wallis Kanton, Switzerland. The strongest one was recorded as a M4.1 at a depth of 8 km (5 miles). Residents reported no damage.
The first quake measured M1.9 and was registered at 11:28 UTC on October 24 at a depth of 13 km (8 miles).
The strongest one was M4.1 reported in the Wallis Kanton at 14:44 UTC. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 8 km (5 miles) with epicenter located about 3 km (1.8 miles) northwest of Varen, 5 km (3.1 miles) northwest of Leuk, 21 km (13 miles) northeast of Sion, and 68 km (42.2 miles) south of Bern.
Two others, with a M1.7 and M1.5, were recorded at 14:57 UTC and 17:32 UTC on October 24 at depths of 38 km (23.6 miles) and 10 km (6.2 miles), respectively.
On October 25, two other earthquakes have been registered, an M2.6 at 01:42 UTC and an M2.1 at 06:29 UTC, both at a depth of 8 km (5 miles).
An M4.1 earthquake, as registered by EMSC, October 24, 2016, 14:44 UTC. Image credit: EMSC
The Swiss Seismological Service reported the strongest at an M4.2 at the same time. The earthquake has likely been felt across large portions of Switzerland, and its intensity was capable of causing light damage in the vicinity of the epicenter.
According to media reports, numerous residents rang the police, although no damage was reported.
An M4.1 earthquake in Switzerland, October 24, 2016. Regional seismicity depth map since 1960. Image credit: EMSC
An M4.1 earthquake in Switzerland, October 24, 2016. Regional seismicity magnitude map since 1960. Image credit: EMSC
Between 500 and 800 earthquakes per year are recorded in Switzerland, only ten of which are in the range between M3.0 and M4.0.However, the majority are very light and are hardly felt.
The latest earthquake stronger than M4.0 occurred in 2013.
Strong earthquakes, above M6.0 only happen once every 50 to 150 years. The last of them was recorded in 1946, an M6.2 in Sierre.
According to scientists, this means another large earthquake will likely not occur before 2040.
The strongest ever reported in Switzerland – M6.6 – was reported in Basel, in 1356.
Featured image: An M4.1 earthquake, as registered by EMSC, October 24, 2016, 14:44 UTC. Image credit: EMSC
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