Earthquake felt across Israel

Two earthquakes, measuring 3 and 4.2 on the Richter scale, were felt across Israel on Tuesday morning. The Geophysical Institute of Israel (GII) reported that the quakes shook the entire country and originated in the northern Dead Sea. 

According to the Magen David Adom rescue services, there were no reports of injuries or damage.

The first quake was felt at around 11:19 am and the second one at 11:30 am. Ynet received reports from readers in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and southern Israel, who said that they had felt their houses shake for several seconds.

Rami Hopshteter, manager of the GII, explained that "this was a moderate earthquake, but was strong enough to be felt in many areas across the country. We received reports that the quake was felt in Haifa, Ashkelon, and of course Jerusalem, which is close to the quake's origin. We are certain that our Jordanian neighbors also felt it.

"The quake is not surprising," he added, "As there is a lot of activity in the Dead Sea area… However, it is impossible to draw any clear conclusions about the future. The State of Israel has been preparing for an earthquake since 1999, but more can be done to improve out preparedness."

'It was something you see in the movies'

Sidra Muoio from Ma'aleh Adumin, near Jerusalem, reported that the quake "lasted for about 10 seconds and the whole house shook".

Dina Dagan, manager of the Bainkini beach in the northern Dead Sea, also felt the quake. "It was really scary. Everything started shaking and I suddenly saw a huge wave ascend from the Dead Sea and it looked like it was headed toward me.

"It only lasted several seconds, but it was terrifying, like something you see in the movies. I experienced a few minutes of real anxiety. The quake today was not as strong as last time, but it was nonetheless scary."

"Everyone felt it, but we remained calm," said Eilon from his workplace in Herzliya. "It lasted between five to 10 seconds."

"The chairs and tables moved," said a Jerusalem resident from his office on the fourth floor. "Everyone felt it at the office, and it ended a few seconds later."

Yaron, who lives on the seventh floor in Kiryat Ono, told Ynet, "The entire house shook for more than 30 seconds. It was terrifying. It was relatively strong compared to last year's quake."

The strongest recent earthquake to strike Israel took place about three years ago, measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale. A number of people were injured and damage was caused.

About a year ago, two moderate quakes were felt in central and southern Israel.

Initial report received via Red Email