On May 17, residents of the Poltava region experienced seismic activity as an earthquake measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale was reported. The event occurred around 06:39 local time, according to the Main Center for Special Control.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Poltava district, near the Dykanka community, with geographical coordinates of 49.84 degrees north latitude and 34.25 degrees east longitude. The tremor was detected at a depth of 4 kilometers, categorizing it as barely perceptible.
Increase in Seismic Activity Since 2020
Dmytro Hryn, a leading researcher at the Geophysics Institute, noted that the frequency of earthquakes in the Poltava region has significantly increased since 2020. He emphasized that the potential for stronger seismic events in this area is minimal.
Prior to the 1970s, the region had not recorded any earthquakes. However, since 2020, there have been between three to five earthquakes annually. Hryn attributed this rise to a combination of anthropogenic factors and natural geological processes.
The recent earthquake is part of a broader pattern of increased seismic activity in the region, raising questions about the underlying causes and implications for local communities.
An earthquake measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale struck the Poltava region of Ukraine, marking a continuation of increased seismic activity since 2020. Experts attribute this rise to both human activity and natural factors.