Russell, KS – A cluster of small earthquakes shook central Kansas late Tuesday into early Wednesday, with two registering above magnitude 3 near the Dorrance–Wilson area along the I-70 corridor, north of Wichita.
According to the USGS, the sequence began with a magnitude 3.5 quake at 10:46 p.m. CDT Tuesday located about 9 km (5–6 mi) northeast of Dorrance at a depth of ~8.9 km. A second quake, M2.7, struck at 11:12 p.m. about 2 km NNE of Wilson (depth ~8.2 km). The third and latest event, M3.2, occurred at 12:14 a.m. CDT Wednesday roughly 7 km NE of Dorrance at a shallower ~5.0 km.
Preliminary “Did You Feel It?” reports indicate light to moderate (MMI III–IV) shaking, mainly across Russell and Ellsworth counties, including the communities of Wilson, Dorrance, Russell, and Ellsworth. No damage or injuries were immediately reported, which is typical for quakes of this magnitude.
Minor earthquakes are not uncommon in central Kansas and can be felt over a broad area due to local geology. USGS intensity maps show the strongest shaking remained light, suggesting little to no structural damage expected.
What to do if you feel shaking: Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Afterward, check for gas leaks, secure items that may have shifted, and report what you felt to the USGS to aid mapping.
Officials will continue to monitor the area for aftershocks; additional small tremors are possible.
