Earthquake in Rhineland-Palatinate: Unusual quake provide alarm!

On Tuesday, November 10, 1998, at 8:08 a.m., a slight earthquake of the strength of 2.267 in Nastätten, Rhineland-Palatinate, was measured. The earthquake appeared about 16 kilometers from Koblenz and was registered at a depth of 10 kilometers, which makes it a flat tremor. Such quakes are rather unusual in the region.

According to the Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Aid (BBK), natural earthquakes in Germany are rare in global comparison and often only occur in low strength. Flat quake can create a greater intensity and thus represent a potential danger for humans and buildings. In the past ten years, a total of 30 earthquakes have been recorded in the vicinity of nast sites, with the last measured strengths on October 23, 2024 (2,34) and June 15, 2024 (2.3).

preceded and noticed earthquake

The most endangered areas in Germany, which can be affected by stronger earthquakes, are particularly located in the south of Baden-Württemberg, in the west of North Rhine-Westphalia and in parts of Hesse, Saxony and Bavaria. The last earthquake in Germany, which caused significant damage, was on May 17, 2014 near Darmstadt with a strength of 4.2, which led to damage to almost 70 houses.

In the past ten years there have been several earthquakes that are also considered remarkable. These include: on May 31, 2014 in Bad Brembach, Saxony (strength 4.5), on May 17th, 2014 near Darmstadt, Hesse (strength 4.2), on June 27, 2024 in Schopfheim, Baden-Württemberg (strength 4,2), on July 9, 2022 in Hechingen, Baden-Württemberg (strength 4,1) and on October 16, 2022 in Jungingen, Baden-Württemberg, Baden-Württemberg, Baden (Strength 3.9).

To classify the intensity and possible damage of earthquakes, the modified mercalliscala is used. In the event of a heavy earthquake, the security measures include staying in the building and keeping them away from windows, looking for protection under a door frame or table, avoiding elevators and bypassing them in the open buildings. Auchings can occur after an earthquake, and damaged buildings should be left as soon as possible.

In the event of any injuries or damage to property, first aid should be done and the emergency call should be informed. In view of the latest seismic activities, it is advisable to observe the corresponding safety precautions in order to minimize potential dangers

On December 27, 2024, several smaller earthquakes were registered in the Munchhouse region in the Haut-Rhin department. The remarkable measurements included a quake of the strength of 1.0, which was measured in Saffig in the Mayen-Koblenz district, and another quake of 0.8 in Bassenheim, also in the Mayen-Koblenz district. These events illustrate that seismic activities are also observed in adjacent areas.

For a detailed overview of earthquake events in Rhineland-Palatinate, the page of LGB-RLP.de can be consulted, which offers comprehensive information about regional earthquakes.