A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Missouri late Wednesday, Nov. 17, according to the United States Geological Survey earthquake map.
The earthquake hit northwest of Poplar Bluff, a town with a population of approximately 17,000.
The earthquake struck just before 9:00 p.m. CST and was initially reported as a 3.7 magnitude. The intensity was changed shortly after.
There were no immediate reports of damage.
The epicenter was approximately 60 miles west of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a major fault that has the potential to produce large earthquakes.
A 2020 report from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance found that only 12.7% of residences in the New Madrid region are covered with earthquake insurance, compared to 60.2% in 2000.
Earthquake insurance in parts of Missouri have risen 760% since 2000 due to insurers pulling out of high-risk areas or being subjected to stricter underwriting standards.
Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Missouri
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
‘Buffett Got it Wrong’ on California Fire Risk: PG&E CEO 
Class Action Settlements Flooded With Fraudulent Claims by Scammers 
Michigan Supreme Court Rules Against Couple in Drone Surveillance Case 
Insurers Get Green Light to Pay Less Than Billed Charges in Florida PIP Cases 
