A minor earthquake shook the Käpylä area of Helsinki around 18:30 on Christmas Day, leading numerous residents to contact emergency services and report the incident. The earthquake, registering at magnitude 1.3, was especially felt close to the surface, as indicated by Suvi Heinonen, the director of the University of Helsinki's Seismological Institute.
Heinonen explained, "It was quite shallow, maybe about one kilometer deep or even closer to the surface, which could explain the sound observations." She added, "People nearby might notice it, but it does not damage buildings." The earthquake's epicenter was pinpointed near Messukeskus, just north of Pasila, with tremors felt noticeably through Käpylä and even extending as far as Kumpula.
Initial reports flooded social media platforms, including the Facebook group dedicated to the Käpylä neighborhood, with residents discussing their experiences of the tremor. One user stated, "My house shook violently," reflecting widespread feelings of unease. Many were taken by surprise, leading to calls made to emergency services as people sought answers about the unsettling event.
The Helsinki police also conducted preliminary investigations to determine the cause of the vibrations. Commissioner Janne Laukkanen confirmed, "Nothing indicates an explosion. There’s no smoke, no fire, and no broken structures," underscoring the natural origins of the tremor.
Heinonen elaborated on the rarity of detecting such minor earthquakes within Helsinki, noting, "This size of the earthquake is rare around Helsinki, but not completely exceptional." Experts anticipate more public awareness and reporting of these small shaking events, especially due to the area's high population density.
This incident aligns with Finland's normal seismic activity, which accounts for about 100-150 earthquakes each year, predominantly of lower magnitudes. For example, many of these smaller tremors are recorded annually, typically measuring below magnitude one.
Seismologists aim to improve monitoring protocols for such occurrences, contributing to the growing database of seismic activity across Finland. While Käpylän's earthquake is minor, it highlights the importance of public awareness and preparedness for potential seismic events, no matter how small they may seem.
Finland experiences earthquakes more frequently, especially regions like Kuusamo and Kymenlaakso, reflecting the complexity of its geological features. The Käpylä tremor serves as yet another reminder of the earth's unpredictable nature.
While this incident is not anticipated to have lasting effects, it contributes to increased engagement and interest among residents about their local environment and the science behind seismic events.
