Hartville, Missouri – Residents east of Hartville were briefly rattled early Wednesday as a magnitude 2.6 earthquake struck just after 4:30 a.m., though no damage or injuries have been reported.
According to the New Madrid Seismic Network and the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit at 4:31 a.m. local time about 3 kilometers east of Hartville, in Wright County. It registered a depth of 4.4 kilometers and was felt lightly across the area, with five local reports submitted to the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” platform.
While considered minor, earthquakes of this size can still cause noticeable shaking in nearby communities. Wright County Emergency Management officials have not issued any advisories but encourage residents to review earthquake preparedness plans and secure loose items in homes and businesses.
This event is part of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a historically active region that stretches across southeastern Missouri and parts of neighboring states. Though much smaller than the quakes of 1811-1812, even low-magnitude tremors are reminders of the region’s seismic potential.
No additional seismic activity has been reported as of Wednesday morning, but residents are encouraged to stay aware of further updates from the USGS or local emergency services.
