The number of damage reports following this year’s worst earthquake in Groningen has risen to 713. Of these reports, 448 come from the so-called earthquake effect area, reports the Groningen Mining Damage Institute (IMG). State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief (mining) visited the area and spoke to frustrated residents.
Of the more than seven hundred applicants, 169 opted for liquidation through a fixed fee. The other 544 prefer customization. This means that an expert will come to assess the damage.
Within the effects area are places like Wirdum, Garrelsweer, Groningen, Appingedam and Delfzijl. A total of nineteen reports of a potentially dangerously dangerous situation were submitted. After security inspections, it was found that security measures were needed in a report.
Last weekend at 4:17 a magnitude 3.1 earthquake occurred at a depth of 3 kilometers near Wirdum. It was the strongest earthquake this year and is one of the ten strongest earthquakes in Groningen. A few hours later, a 1.2-magnitude aftershock struck the nearby village of Garrelsweer.
In Groningen, earthquakes of this magnitude occur most often due to gas extraction. Relatively speaking, they lead to more damage. This is because the earthquakes are shallow and because the soil contains a lot of clay and peat. The vibrations only have a short time to decrease in force. On average, IMG has received approximately 134 damage reports per day in the past five weeks.
Residents express frustration in conversation with the secretary of state
In response to the earthquake, Vijlfbrief said it is “doing everything possible” to stop the extraction of gas at the Groningen field as soon as possible. He wants to turn off the gas tap next October, but he can’t guarantee it. “It depends on how the war in Ukraine develops and if we have enough gas for next winter to avoid being left in the cold.”
Groningen residents expressed their frustrations on Monday in conversation with Vijlbrief. Jannus de Lange (73) states that it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain positive, because concrete action by the government would not be forthcoming. Villager Hans Riekkerk (63) says he lived in an unsafe house for more than four years. His home was inspected in 2018 and classified as unsafe, “but it hasn’t been fortified since,” he said in conversation with Vijlbrief.
Vijlbrief talks about “intense conversations” with the residents. He regrets not being able to reassure them completely. “Some people have waited so long that the trust is gone.”
