Earthquake hits Jersey

Friday 11 July 2014

The earth shook in most of the Island this lunchtime in what's thought to be the biggest earthquake in the last century.

The Met department say they don't yet know if any damage was caused by the quake which measured 4.6 on their scale (equivalent to a 4 on the Richter scale). Speaking on BBC Radio Jersey, forecaster Tony Pallot said it was a "significant tremor" which hit the South West of the Island, and has been felt in Guernsey and even some parts of the UK. Islanders have reported pictures falling off walls, and items being knocked over in their homes.

Mr Pallot says the Island has experienced tremors before, although nothing this strong in the last fifty to a hundred years. Previous big earthquakes in Jersey have reached 3 to 4 on the same scale. 

Tim Phillips, General Manager of The Club Hotel & Spa, and Michelin Star Bohemia Restaurant was with the hotel guests on the terrace when it happened. He said: “Everyone was very confused as to what was happening. The ground noticeably shook for 20-30 seconds and then gradually stopped.”