3.5 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Mooringsport, Louisiana

A glimpse of the tremors felt in Mooringsport during the recent earthquake, with visible street cracks.

News Summary

On January 18, 2025, a 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck Mooringsport, Louisiana, capturing the attention of local residents. The quake, felt by citizens as far as Shreveport, had its epicenter just southwest of Mooringsport. Fortunately, no significant damage or injuries were reported. Experts from the USGS classified the earthquake as light to moderate, noting it was a shallow quake at a depth of 3.1 miles. This event adds to the region’s recent seismic activity, with 13 recorded earthquakes since 2024, prompting discussions about geological movements in the normally calm area.

Mooringsport Goes Shaky with a 3.5 Magnitude Earthquake!

On Saturday afternoon, January 18, 2025, at precisely 2:12 p.m., the residents of Mooringsport, Louisiana found themselves in the middle of a surprising event—a 3.5 magnitude earthquake shook the area. This unusual incident, occurring just southwest of bustling Shreveport, sent a ripple of curiosity and concern among locals.

Wobbly Moments in Mooringsport

The quake, with its epicenter located about 1.2 miles southwest of Mooringsport, had many residents on alert. Folks from nearby communities including Belcher, Benton, Greenwood, and even those in Shreveport reported feeling the ground tremble under their feet. A total of 69 citizens shared their experience with the U.S. Geological Survey, all within 60 minutes of the quake striking. It was clear this seismic shake made a mark on the day!

How Strong Was It?

According to the experts at the USGS, the intensity of the earthquake was classified as light to moderate. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 3.1 miles, which means it was relatively shallow. Despite the tremor, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries, reflecting the earthquake’s minor nature.

A Little Background on Recent Quakes

This wasn’t the first quake to rattle the region recently. Just a little over a week earlier, on January 6, 2025, another quake measuring 3.0 struck near McCain Creek, situated between Mooringsport and Blanchard. That brought Louisiana’s total recorded earthquakes since 2024 to 13, with five of those having magnitudes over 3.0—adding a touch of excitement to what is ordinarily a calm region.

Why is This Happening?

So what’s shaking in Louisiana? Dr. Scott Vetter, a geology professor at Centenary College, shed light on these geological events. Louisiana sits within the Gulf Coast Basin, an area typically known for low to no seismic activity. However, the geological makeup allows for the movement of blocks of earth, which is likely causing these minor tremors due to sediment deposition over time.

The Bright Side of Earthquakes in Louisiana

Unlike places that are infamous for their significant seismic activity—like California—major earthquakes are not on the horizon for Louisiana. The resident quakes observed here are typically very shallow and minor in nature. In fact, while approximately 100,000 earthquakes occur globally each year, the vast majority of those in Louisiana don’t lead to any structural damage. This is certainly a reassuring thought for those who might be a bit on edge after the recent events!

What to Do During an Earthquake

While it’s clear that Louisiana’s quakes are generally not severe, being prepared is always essential. Residents are encouraged to make sure they know the basics: just drop to the ground, cover their heads and necks, and hold on until it’s safe to get back up. Having an emergency kit ready can also provide peace of mind, just in case Mother Nature decides to shake things up again!

And There You Have It!

The tremor in Mooringsport has certainly given residents something to talk about! While the 3.5 magnitude quake is more of a curiosity than a cause for alarm, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our earth. Keep those conversations buzzing while staying informed and prepared!