On Thursday, March 5, 2026, a rare and significant 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Louisiana. This event has been identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the strongest inland earthquake ever recorded in the state’s history.
Event Details
- Time: 5:30 a.m. CST (Thursday, March 5).
- Epicenter: Located approximately 6 miles west of Edgefield in Red River Parish, roughly 36 miles southeast of Shreveport.
- Depth: Very shallow, at about 3.1 miles (5 km), which contributed to how widely it was felt.
- Impact: Shaking was reported by over 1,100 people across northern Louisiana, eastern Texas, and southern Arkansas.
Key Takeaways
- Historical Significance: This quake broke the previous inland record of a 4.1 magnitude event near Donaldsonville in 1930. While a 5.3 offshore quake occurred in 2006, this 4.9 event is the most powerful to ever hit the Louisiana mainland.
- Damage Reports: Despite being a record-breaker for the region, there have been no reports of major structural damage, injuries, or deaths. Residents primarily reported rattling windows, swinging light fixtures, and minor cosmetic issues like cracked drywall.
- Possible Causes: Seismologists are investigating the cause, with some preliminary discussions looking into the regional fault systems or potential links to local industrial activity, though no definitive cause has been confirmed.
Safety Reminder
Since aftershocks are possible (though typically smaller), the USGS recommends the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol if shaking occurs again.
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