Residents of O’Fallon, Illinois were shaken awake by a small magnitude 2.4 earthquake early Saturday morning. The tremor, centered near South Walnut Street and Colleen Drive, was felt as far as St. Peters, approximately 40 miles away. This is the seventh earthquake of magnitude 2.0 or greater to hit within 30 miles of St. Louis in the past decade and the first since late 2022.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 1,000 feet deep, adding to the surprise for residents who felt the shaking. The quake occurred just a week after a disaster training drill in downtown St. Louis aimed at preparing emergency and military responders for a major earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
The New Madrid fault, located in the Missouri Bootheel, was the site of three major earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, among the largest in U.S. history. This recent earthquake is a reminder of the seismic activity in the area and the importance of being prepared for such events.
Residents and officials in the area are encouraged to be vigilant and ensure they have emergency plans in place in case of future earthquakes. The recent tremor serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in the region.
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