5.3 earthquake hits US city Oklahoma

Second earthquake in a week to hit region blamed on underground disposal of waste-water

 

Cushing, Oklahoma: A magnitude 5.3 earthquake has shaken central Oklahoma.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake struck at 7.44pm (5.44am UAE), with an epicentre located one kilometre west of Cushing, about 80 kilometres northeast of Oklahoma City.

The quake was felt as far away as Kansas City, Missouri, and Little Rock, Arkansas.

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck the northern part of Oklahoma last week, with an epicentre near Pawnee.

Scientists have linked Oklahoma's sharp increase in earthquakes to the underground disposal of wastewater from oil and gas production.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has shut down some disposal wells and ordered a reduction in the amount of wastewater disposed of in others.