Folkestone is big in the news today after an earthquake hit South-East England at approximately 8.18 am with the epicenter appearing to be in the Folkestone area. Measured at an estimated 4.3 on the Richter scale it is the largest since an earthquake hit Dudley in 2002. Not as big as some earthquakes globally but it was still big enough to cause structural damage. Although the earthquake was concentrated around the Folkestone area, people in parts of East Sussex, Essex and Suffolk are also reported to have felt the tremor.

Folkestone residents reported buildings shaking, walls cracking and chimneys falling with some of the worst damage occurring in the Radnor Park, Pavilion Road and Blackbull Road areas.

One resident from the Golden Valley in Cheriton who lives on the top floor of Collingwood Court said, “The whole building was shaking, the television had moved on its stand and photos fell off furniture, a very scary experience when you are five floors up in the air.”

Police and Emergency services were quick to respond and residents could see the Air ambulance circulating overhead in response to reports that people were trapped in damaged buildings. Thankfully that report appears so far to be unfounded.

With reports of power lines down, thousands of homes were without electricity for over two hours and gas supplies in some areas were also affected. EDF energy has reported that power has now been restored over most of the area.

Road travel was also chaotic in some places with traffic lights out of action but the Channel Tunnel is reported as not being affected by the tremor.