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‘Unconfirmed earthquake’ in Whitstable and Herne Bay area thought to have been MOD Shoeburyness testing

By: Millie Bowles mbowles@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 17:42, 23 November 2023

Residents have described their homes shaking after “unconfirmed earthquakes”, thought to have been caused by explosions.

It is thought the tremors around Whitstable and Herne Bay were as a result of weapons testing at MOD Shoeburyness in Essex 15 miles away.

Military vehicles at Shoeburyness weapons testing range

The facility’s website warns that “gunfire and explosions may be noticed” today.

Some people have said the vibrations are the worst they have experienced in 10 years.

Organisation Volcano Discovery reported an “unconfirmed earthquake of seismic-like event” 2km south-east of Herne Bay at 11.20am today.

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It received 68 reports about it. It is reported to have registered as 3.6 magnitude and produced weak shaking.

Residents took to social media to discuss the phenomenon, with one saying: “I have been living in Whitstable for 10 years and have never felt it this bad.

“My whole house vibrated.”

Whitstable residents and other nearby towns have reported shaking homes amid an "unconfirmed earthquake report". Picture: QuinetiQ
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Another said: “I thought we were having an earthquake!

“My whole house was rumbling, like the roof was going to come down.”

Others reported feeling the tremors as far away as Margate.

The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.

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For years now people along the north coast of Kent have learnt to deal with audible booms and explosions coming from across the sea.

What actually goes on at Shoeburyness? Click here to find out.

QinetiQ, which operates the site, puts warnings about its weekly activities out on its social media.

They are most commonly heard from Sheppey, just across the water.

But previously residents as far inland as Charing have reported their windows rattling due to the activity.

The site is used to test new weapons and dispose of old ammunition.

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