Stockton, Kansas – A light earthquake jolted northwest Kansas early Wednesday morning, causing a brief stir among residents near Stockton. The magnitude 2.7 quake struck at 7:53 a.m. CDT, about 11 kilometers northwest of the city, with a shallow depth of 5 kilometers.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, only one resident reported feeling the tremor, and there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The quake’s epicenter was located in rural Rooks County, an area not typically known for seismic activity.
Nearby cities, including Plainville and Phillipsburg, may have experienced slight vibrations, but local authorities did not issue any road or utility advisories. Most infrastructure, including U.S. Route 183 and local schools, operated without interruption.
If you felt shaking, experts recommend checking for minor structural cracks and securing loose items on shelves. Light earthquakes like this are not uncommon in the central U.S., but larger quakes remain rare for the region.
Officials will continue to monitor aftershocks, though none are currently expected. Residents are encouraged to report any unusual ground movement to the USGS website for community safety updates.
