Strong earthquake shakes eastern Norway, experts warn of catastrophic potential

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Norway on Sunday morning, with tremors felt across a wide region, including Oslo, Fredrikstad, Skien, and parts of Sweden near Kongsvinger, Dagbladet reports.

The quake’s epicenter was located on the municipal border between Ullensaker and Nes in Akershus, roughly 40 kilometers northeast of Oslo. While no significant damage or injuries were reported, experts warn that a stronger earthquake in Norway—particularly in densely populated areas—could have devastating consequences.

“When major quakes occur, we’re talking about catastrophic potential,” said Conrad D. Lindholm, a retired seismologist formerly with Norsar, who has studied earthquakes in high-risk regions like the Himalayas and Central America. “Even if it’s not like in the movies, the damage potential is enormous.”

Lindholm referenced the 2018 Norwegian disaster film Skjelvet (The Quake), which depicted a fictional but plausible scenario of a powerful earthquake hitting Oslo. The film was inspired by his own research, including the 1904 Oslofjord earthquake—a 5.4-magnitude quake that caused significant damage in the capital despite its epicenter being over 100 kilometers away.

Volker Oye, research director at Norsar, confirmed that Oslo remains the most vulnerable region due to its high population density and concentration of buildings. “While unlikely, a quake of 5.6 or higher in the Oslo area isn’t unthinkable,” Oye said. “It would be destructive—buildings would collapse, lives would be lost, and the aftermath would be complete chaos.”

Sunday’s earthquake, the strongest in eastern Norway since 2004, was described by Oye as “a curiosity” compared to potential future risks. Police reported no major damage or secondary natural disasters following the tremors.

Norsar received numerous calls from concerned residents after the quake, reflecting widespread unease. Experts emphasize that while strong earthquakes in Norway are rare, their infrequency makes long-term predictions difficult—leaving open the possibility of a high-impact event.