Guide Note
Small tremors happen with great frequency in
London. Most are not noticed by the public. An earthquake shook London around 1:00 a.m. GMT on
February 27,
2008. The U.S. Geographical Survey has reported the magnitude of the quake at 4.7 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter 30 miles south of Kingston-upon-Hull. Early insurance estimates suggest damage costs of at least $20 million.
Fast Facts
- February 27, 2008: biggest quake since 1984
- Damages: $20 million (early estimates)
- Quake frequency: 200 per year
- Percent unnoticed: 90
- Most U.K. quakes are tiny
- Death toll since 1580: 11
- July 19, 1984: 5.4 earthquake
- June 7, 1931: 6.1 earthquake
- 1884: 4.6 earthquake
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