These two places in Belgium are considered to be at the highest risk of a severe earthquake, according to geologist Hans Havenith from the University of Liège.
First and foremost is Verviers in the province of Liège, approximately 15 kilometers from the border with Limburg. “Verviers is home to the largest seismic fault in our country,” said Havenith. “It extends close to Aubel (about 10 kilometers further, nearly at the border with the Flemish Region).”
The other place is Mons, the capital of the province of Hainaut. The estimated impact would vary somewhat. “In Verviers, it could go up to 6 or more on the Richter scale,” added Havenith. “In Mons, it would likely be between 5.5 and 5.8.”
Seismologist Manuel Sintubin (KU Leuven) confirms that such severe earthquakes are possible in our country. It has happened before, notably on September 18, 1692, in Verviers, with an estimated magnitude of 6.5. “The fault line ran through Northeast Limburg at that time. So, in theory, earthquakes of 6.5 are possible. Without causing panic: the likelihood is very low, but not zero,” he told.
