Main navigation

Case Study

Topic

Repairs to Domestic Properties

Incident / Exercise

Incident: Kent earthquake, 28 April 2007

Background and Context

The British Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 4.3 ML earthquake in the Dover Straits at 08:18 BST on 28 April 2007. The epicentre was approximately 14 km South of Dover in the Dover Straits. The earthquake was felt widely across southeast England, causing minor damage to masonry and roofing. Loss of power was also reported. Folkestone was particularly badly hit by the incident. This was the largest earthquake in this region since a magnitude 4.4 ML earthquake in 1950.

How the Topic was Handled

Kent Highways Service staff took part in clean-up efforts in Folkestone, clearing potentially threatening debris. Responding to requests from the emergency services, they supported building control officers in checking for damage to chimney stacks and roofs. A crew was also deployed to check the safety of footways and roads.

A team of Kent County Council Trading Standards Officers was deployed to the area to provide immediate assistance and advice and to act as a deterrent from rogue building traders. They also issued advice to affected homeowners.

Lessons Identified

None provided

Contacts for Further Information

Kent County Council - www.kent.gov.uk

Additional Documents

Principal References

Shepway District Council

• http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200215/1921/
• http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200213/1922/
• http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200208/1921/
• http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200212/1922/

Kent Fire & Rescue Service Press Releases

• Press Release 652
• Press Release 653
• Press Release 654
• Press Release 655
• Press Release 656
• Press Release 657
• Press Release 658

Secondary References

BRCS

• http://www.redcross.org.uk/news.asp?id=69492

BBC News

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6602677.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6606661.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6605095.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6603583.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6604119.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6604545.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6603755.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6602713.stm
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6603129.stm

British Geological Survey

• http://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/KentQuake.html
• http://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/KentQuake2.html

24dash.com

• http://www.24dash.com/environment/19936.htm

Ekklesia News

• http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/5174

Christian Today - Salvation Army

• http://www.christiantoday.com/article/
  salvation.army.helps.out.after.kent.earthquake/10573.htm