Another strong earthquake hits northern Oklahoma

AMORITA, Okla. – For the second time in three days, an earthquake stronger than magnitude 4.0 has been recorded in northern Oklahoma.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 4.1 magnitude quake hit early Tuesday afternoon near the town of Amorita. Local officials say no injuries or damage were reported.

But moderate damage was reported to homes and buildings after two magnitude-4.2 temblors struck Sunday about 45 miles (72 kilometres) away near Breckenridge. Those quakes were the strongest to hit Oklahoma since September.

The number of earthquakes in Oklahoma has spiked in recent years, with many linked to the underground injection of wastewater from oil and natural gas production. Regulators have ordered some wells to be closed.

Before 2009, Oklahoma averaged one magnitude 3.0 earthquake a year. The number jumped to 903 such earthquakes in 2015 before declining to 304 last year.