Two Earthquakes, Including A 4.0, Hit Central Oklahoma

A pair of earthquakes rattled central Oklahoma, but there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the first earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 4.0. It struck shortly after 6 a.m. Wednesday and had in epicenter in Luther, about 23 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.

The USGS says the earthquake was widely felt in central Oklahoma and as far north as Wichita, Kansas.

At 11:34 a.m., a second earthquake, a 3.2 magnitude, was recorded in Oklahoma County. 

The number of magnitude 3.0 or greater earthquakes has skyrocketed in Oklahoma, from a few dozen in 2012 to more than 900 last year. Scientists have linked the increase to the underground disposal of wastewater from oil and gas production and state regulators have asked producers to reduce wastewater disposal volumes.