Salina, KS – Two earthquakes struck Kansas on Tuesday, shaking communities in both central and northern parts of the state — including a rare magnitude 3.4 tremor that is considered strong for the Midwest.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake occurred early Tuesday morning at approximately 3:47 a.m. CDT. That 2.5 magnitude earthquake was centered about 7 kilometers southwest of Gypsum in Saline County, with a depth of 9.6 kilometers. Three residents submitted reports to the USGS confirming they felt the quake, though no damage was reported.
The second, more powerful quake occurred later in the afternoon at 4:18 p.m. CDT. This magnitude 3.4 earthquake was centered 9 kilometers northwest of Woodston in Rooks County, at a depth of 9.9 kilometers. At least four people reported feeling the tremor, which the USGS classified with a community intensity of “III,” indicating light shaking that typically causes no structural damage.
Seismic activity of this strength is uncommon in Kansas, where most earthquakes fall below magnitude 3. The back-to-back events have prompted increased interest in the region’s geological activity, though officials have not linked the two quakes and say no immediate risk follows.
No injuries or major damage have been reported from either event, but emergency management agencies encourage residents to stay aware and report future activity to assist ongoing monitoring.
Kansas has experienced a noticeable uptick in low-to-moderate seismic events in recent years, often prompting concerns about causes and preparedness. While Tuesday’s quakes were relatively minor on a global scale, they serve as a reminder that seismic events are possible throughout the central U.S.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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