Light earthquake in Wales and England

swansea - Large parts of Wales and England were startled by a slight earthquake on Saturday afternoon. According to the British seismological institute, the shock had a force of 4.4 at a depth of just 7.4 kilometers. The epicenter was located near the village of Clydach, 20 kilometers northeast of Swansea.

According to the Institute, earthquakes of this magnitude occur once every three to five years in the United Kingdom. Because this took place relatively close to the earth's surface- usually on the British mainland at 15 to 20 km depth- the impact was greatest in ten years. In 2008, Market Rasen in Lincolnshire was hit by an earthquake of 5.2.

According to the BBC, the vibrations were felt throughout Wales, but also far beyond. From Cornwall in the far southwest of England to the Lake District north of Liverpool and to the east to London people have been startled. There are no reports of serious damage or injuries. However, the phones were red-hot at police and emergency services. They called on people to call for an emergency only.