4.7-magnitude earthquake rocks Britain: Eyewitnesses describe “loud bang” as Wales bares the brunt of tremors
A 4.7-magnitude earthquake has rocked parts of Wales and western England.
The seismic event took place shortly after 2.30pm today.
The epicentre was just 10km from Swansea but shocks were felt from Cornwall to Blackpool.
There are currently no reported casualties
Over 1,000 people have contacted the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) to provide testimonies.
Map of the testimonies received so far following the #earthquake M4.7 in Wales-England Region, U.k. 40 min ago pic.twitter.com/KhWEV08XDU— EMSC (@LastQuake) February 17, 2018
One witness, just 4km from the epicentre told EMSC: “Genuinely thought next door had fallen down or the roof had caved in.”
Others described a loud bang and thought something had crashed into their houses. The EMSC urged people not to call the emergency services simply to report the earthquake.
The earthquake also caused a break in play at Welsh football game.
43′ – temporary stop in play. A recorded earthquake in the area. Incredible.— Port Talbot Town FC (@PortTalbotTown) February 17, 2018
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Seismologist Stephen Hicks said earthquakes like today’s tend to occur in the UK once every two to seven years.
Meanwhile, others took to social media to make slightly more sarcastic comments.
Did we just leave the EU? #Earthquake— Cam Bryan (@cammy_bee) February 17, 2018
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