Earthquake Activity Not Just in California

April 12, 2010

If you believe that only Californian’s need to consider earthquake insurance, this may change your mind: already this year, there have been 47 recorded earthquakes and aftershocks in Oklahoma, and 40 of them measured at least 2.0 on the Richter scale. (Generally speaking, quakes that register at least 2.5 are the smallest we can actually feel.)

At 7:42 AM on April 8th, the The U.S. Geological Survey recorded another earthquake in central Oklahoma, this one measuring 3.2 in magnitude, and centered about two miles southwest of Jones and 10 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. There was an additional earthquake recorded in central Arkansas, as well.

The Arkansas quake measured only 1.46, and was recorded at 11:01 PM on April 8th. The USGS said the epicenter was roughly five miles northwest of Greenbrier, and 2 miles south-southwest of Twin Groves.

Officials from the USGS say these earthquakes are part of a phenomenon referred to as a “swarm” but that they don’t present a serious threat.

Even so, if I lived in that part of the country, I’d consider comparing earthquake insurance quotes – just in case.