The seismic intensity is unprecedented in southern America

An "unprecedented" earthquake followed a series of aftershocks over the weekend in the US state of Oklahoma.

AFP reports US Geological Survey (USGS) said the seismic occurred at 22h53 on November 5, local time, with the epicenter only about 6 km away from the town of Sparks in central Oklahoma east and at a depth of only 5km. The neighboring state of Texas also felt a shock from this earthquake.

USGS initially determined the magnitude of the magnitude 5.2, but then raised it to 5.6 Richter. This is the strongest shock in a series of 20 tremors and aftershocks, and is the strongest earthquake ever in Oklahoma, a place more famous for tornadoes.

Sparks people stand by the ruins caused by the earthquake. (Photo: AP)

Officials where the earthquake occurred said that many buildings in Sparks and surrounding areas were damaged. The chimneys of many houses collapsed, some roads were interrupted after the earthquake. No people were injured after the earthquake, but witnesses said they were shocked.

"My wife had to run away from the truck when the road surface shook , " recalls JL Gilbert, owner of a liquor brand at Sparks, adding that the earthquake lasted about 30 seconds.

"It's the most shocking thing we've ever experienced so far. I remember that the last time there was such a strong earthquake was in the 50s of last century , " said Gilbert, 63, blurting out. . "We are more accustomed to tornadoes. You may know the tornado is coming but you cannot know when an earthquake occurs."

Gilbert said he found some houses damaged, but he himself did not suffer any injuries."My old watch fell from the wall, and I will have to fix it. But fortunately there is no broken bottle. I will be sad if that happens," Gilbert said.

Local officials broadcast the online guiding message to encourage people to stay calm, seek shelter and stay there if the next aftershocks occur. The epicenter of the earthquake is only about 72km southwest of Oklahoma City, the capital of the same state. According to USGS, the strongest seismic record ever recorded in Oklahoma state occurred on April 9, 1952, with a magnitude of 5.5 Richter scale.

The Oklahoma earthquake was only slightly lighter than the rare earthquake of magnitude 5.9 on the east coast of the United States on August 24, causing the iconic tower of the Washington Memorial in the capital. of the United States has a small crack.