An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 struck near Gatwick today causing buildings to “violently shake” and waking thousands of residents.
The tremor was felt in Newdigate, Surrey, less than 10 miles from Gatwick Airport according to the British Geological Survey.
Gatwick Airport confirmed they felt the tremors overnight but airport operations had not been affected.
Residents shared their surprise at the earthquake.
Natasha Newton wrote: “And ANOTHER earthquake in Surrey has just woken me up yet again, 5.18am.”
Tom Livermore described the quake as a “surreal experience.”
He said: “Only the second time I have ever felt a quake. But last night’s woke us both up as whole house was shaking. Very surreal experience!”
While Denise said: “Woken up by an Earthquake at 3.45 this morning. That was fun- thought my little old wonky house was gonna fall down.”
Others chose to joke about the severity of the earthquake.
One person wrote: “There’s been an earthquake in Surrey. I believe that it has smashed a few ming vases and priceless antiques and smashed some jolly good vintage wines in some wine cellars. People have been evacuated to their second homes.”
While Gareth Funning said: “I thought I had to leave the UK to study earthquakes. Clearly Surrey is more interesting these days!”
It is the fourth recorded quake in the area in the last fortnight with the ground having moved on February 19, and twice on Valentine’s Day.
The latest movement was the strongest however, after the British Geological Survey recorded a 2.0 magnitude tremor on February 19, and 2.4 and 0.2 quakes on February 14.
