A small earthquake measuring 2.2 magnitude struck near the southern Korean county of Hapcheon on Sunday morning, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The tremor, which occurred at 10:33 AM local time, was centered approximately 11 kilometers northeast of Hapcheon at a depth of 14 kilometers.
The KMA reported that the earthquake was unlikely to have caused any significant damage, but advised residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant in case of aftershocks. Earthquakes of this magnitude are typically imperceptible or cause only very minor tremors.
While the event itself was minor, it comes amidst a recent uptick in seismic activity in the Korean Peninsula. The KMA reported a 50% increase in earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 2 in 2023 compared to previous years. This rise is attributed to a cluster of quakes in the East Sea last year, along with tremors originating from North Korea's Kilju County, where a nuclear test site is located.
Experts are divided on the cause of the increased activity. Some geologists theorize it could be linked to tectonic plate movements in the region, while others suggest a possible correlation to human activities like geothermal power generation or hydraulic fracturing. The KMA is currently conducting further research to determine the root cause of this trend.
South Korea is located in a seismically active zone and experiences occasional earthquakes. The most powerful earthquake recorded in the country's history struck in 1852 with an estimated magnitude of 8.5, causing widespread devastation. Since then, however, strong earthquakes have been relatively rare.
The KMA maintains a national earthquake monitoring system and advises citizens on earthquake preparedness. They recommend residents conduct drills regularly, have a designated emergency plan, and prepare a survival kit containing essential supplies like food, water, and first-aid medication. Following these steps can help ensure safety in the event of a larger earthquake.