Questions and Answers about the Earthquake in Groningen on November 13

On the night of Thursday, November 13 to Friday, November 14, an earthquake occurred in Zeerijp, Groningen. The KNMI measured the quake at 3.4 on the Richter scale. At 6:39 AM, an aftershock of 2.1 occurred. Despite the cessation of gas extraction in the Groningen field, earthquakes still occur, causing feelings of insecurity and concern. This article answers some common questions.

I have damage to my house from the recent earthquake in Zeerijp, where can I report it?

You can report your damage on the website of the Groningen Mining Damage Institute. Would you like to speak to an employee? Then call toll-free 0800 4444 111 or visit one of the support points. Do you feel unsafe in your home or another building due to damage caused by the earthquake? Then report an acute unsafe situation (AOS).

Gas extraction has stopped, why do earthquakes still occur?

In April last year, the Groningen gas field was permanently closed. Earthquakes still occur. This is due to the tension built up over decades of gas extraction. This tension is occasionally released by an earthquake. Earthquakes occur along existing faults in the gas field at a depth of 3 kilometers. Although the number of earthquakes and the stronger ones have decreased in recent years, these earthquakes remain possible.

For more information about earthquakes caused by gas extraction and answers to questions, visit KNMI - Earthquakes caused by gas extraction.

What is being done for the houses of residents in the earthquake area?

Residents in the earthquake area must be able to live, work, and live safely. The National Coordinator Groningen works on investigating and strengthening buildings. If a building has damage as a result of gas extraction, this damage can be reported to the Groningen Mining Damage Institute. The IMG is responsible for handling the damage. Strengthening and damage repair are done at all costs and for as long as necessary.

Why does strengthening houses in the earthquake area take so much time?

The safety of residents is paramount. Therefore, the strengthening task has the highest priority.

The NCG strengthening program includes more than 27,000 homes and other buildings located in the earthquake area. Strengthening is a complex and time-consuming operation involving many aspects, such as Nij Begun – the cabinets response to the parliamentary inquiry. To carry out this operation properly and carefully, cooperation between many different parties is required. Strengthening buildings is tailor-made; every home and situation is unique. This takes time and requires the right balance between speed and quality. In addition, strengthening is combined with sustainability measures to prepare homes for the future.

Am I safe if my house is strengthened?

Strengthened homes and homes that meet safety standards are strong enough. Residents can safely and timely leave their homes during a (severe) earthquake. The earthquake in Zeerijp on November 13 once again emphasizes the importance of the strengthening task. Strengthening has not yet been completed for more than 9,000 homes. This effort continues unabated.