Earthquake Near Assen, Netherlands Causes Damage and Numerous Reports

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck near the town of Assen in the Netherlands on Saturday, March 14, 2026, waking residents and prompting over 300 reports of damage. The tremor, classified as an induced earthquake, occurred at 2:14 a.m. Near the Eleveld gas field in the municipality of Aa en Hunze.

Induced Earthquake and Location

The KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude and location, specifying it occurred slightly southeast of Assen. The quake is categorized as induced, meaning it was triggered by human activity rather than natural geological processes. The epicenter was located in Geelbroek, a small village near Assen, as reported by Gelderlander.

Reports of Damage and Incorrect Reporting Channels

Residents across the region, including in Assen, reported feeling the shaking, with many taking to social media to describe the experience. Some described their homes shaking and experiencing rumbling noises. As of Monday, March 16, 2026, over 300 damage reports have been filed. However, a significant number of these reports were initially submitted to the Instituut Mijnbouwschade Groningen (IMG), which handles claims related to gas extraction in the Groningen field and gas storage facilities in Norg and Grijpskerk.

Correct Reporting Procedures and Ongoing Assessment

The majority of damage claims should be directed to the Commissie Mijnbouwschade, as the earthquake was linked to the Eleveld gas field. The Commissie Mijnbouwschade received 132 reports directly. The IMG has stated it will forward approximately 30% of the received reports to the correct authority. The IMG has assured residents that submitting claims to either agency will not hinder the process, and necessary transfers will be made.

Eleveld Gas Field and Previous Seismic Activity

Gas extraction at the Eleveld field ceased several months prior to the earthquake, as the site was no longer deemed profitable. Despite the closure, induced seismic activity can continue for an extended period. The Eleveld gas field experienced several noticeable tremors in 2023, including quakes with magnitudes of 2.2 and 1.3 near Ekehaar and 1.9 in Hooghalen, according to Nltimes. A subsequent, smaller aftershock was measured at 05:14 a.m. On the day of the initial quake, as reported by Gelderlander.

Further Information

For more information about the earthquake, you can refer to the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) website.