Alarms sounded: A 3.8 magnitude earthquake was felt in northern Israel

March 13, 2024   

Residents in the north of the country reported an earthquake that was felt today (Wednesday) in the Hula Valley and Kinneret areas. Following the earthquake, alarms were activated in several locations throughout the Jordan Valley. At this stage, no injuries or damage are known. Residents in the area were asked to report to the authorities if they encounter any damage or hazards following the earthquake. The Geological Survey of Israel updated: "At 12:50 (Israel time) a felt earthquake occurred in the Hula Valley-Kinneret area, initial estimate of magnitude: 3.8." Due to the earthquake, the police are refreshing the instructions for proper behavior when receiving an earthquake warning or when signs of an earthquake are noticed. • Those staying in a building - if possible, should go out into an open area. If it is not possible to leave the building within a few seconds, enter the emergency room and leave the door and windows open, or go to the stairwell and continue down until you exit the building. Only if this is not possible, should you sit in an inner corner of the room or under a heavy piece of furniture and protect your head with your hands. • Those staying outdoors - stay in the open area and stay away from buildings, trees, electrical cables and items that may fall and endanger you. • Those traveling in a car - stop the car on the side of the road and wait inside until the earthquake stops. Avoid stopping under a bridge or on an interchange. • Those staying near the beach - stay at least one kilometer away from the beach for fear that a tsunami will arrive and flood the beach. If it is not possible to leave the coastal area, go up to the fourth floor or higher of a nearby building.