UK towns hit by earthquake as 2.5 magnitude tremor rocks homes in the middle of the night
UK TOWNS have been rocked by a 2.5 magnitude earthquake - with locals telling of a loud rumbling before their homes shook.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) said the quake struck the East Midlands at 2.42am this morning.
BGS expert David Galloway said: "At 2:42am on 19 April 2024 an earthquake occurred around 5km from Belper, Derbyshire.
"The earthquake had a magnitude of 2.5ML and a focal depth of around 7km.
"We received a few reports of the earthquake being felt in Matlock and Derby in Derbyshire and in Belton in Leicestershire.
"The reports described 'a weak trembling' and 'a moderate rumbling sound'."
Galloway said the quake was the largest recorded in Derbyshire since January 2, when a 2.5ML tremor hit the nearby town of Buxton.
He said: "Historically, larger earthquakes have been known to occur in the area.
"The largest was the magnitude 5.3ML Derby earthquake which occurred on 11 February 1957.
"It caused widespread damage to chimneys and roofs in the Derby, Nottingham and Loughborough areas.
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"The earthquake was felt over the whole of the English Midlands."