Earth in Poland trembles almost all day! Experts explain what is happening and warn

Since the beginning of July 2025, Poland has been struggling with an unprecedented series of seismic shocks, which has caused expanding concern to the inhabitants. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) data are alarming – only a fewer days have been reported 19 shocksand any have occurred respective times in 1 day. specified frequency and regularity of vibrations are highly uncommon for our region and constitute a clear deviation from historical standards. Epicentres of activity focus in 3 key areas, straight related to industrial activity.

Experts have no uncertainty that natural geological processes are not liable for the current situation. The origin is human activity, specifically intensive mining exploitation. Shocks, referred to as induced, are becoming stronger and more frequent, which raises questions about infrastructure safety and citizens. The situation is further complicated by the last dense rainfall, which may have affected the stableness of the mountain hole. What does this mean for millions of Poles surviving in this area?

Where and how frequently does the earth shake in Poland? Concerning EMSC data

The latest wave of seismic activity focuses on 3 delicate points on the map of Poland. These are Lower Silesian and advanced Silesian Coal Basin and Brunatne Bełchatów Coal Mine. According to EMSC data, most vibrations were recorded in the vicinity of Polkowice, Katowice and Częstochowa. It is the inhabitants of these areas who are most affected by underground shocks that disturb their regular lives and their sense of security.

A peculiarly strong event occurred July 14, 2025 in the afternoon. The epicenter was then located in Polkowice, but its effects were felt within a radius of respective twelve kilometres, including Głogów and Lubin. The residents reported a clear swinging of buildings, a tremor of walls and furniture, as well as vibrations felt especially on the advanced floors of residential blocks. Although no crucial material losses have been reported so far, the regularity of these phenomena is alarming.

The advanced frequency of shocks without longer interruptions is an anomaly in Polish seismology. Normally, specified events were occasional. The current situation, in which the earth trembles almost daily, points to expanding stresses in the crust of the earth, which forces experts to carefully monitor the situation and analyse possible threats in the future.

It's not nature, it's man. Why are the tremors getting stronger?

The discrimination between natural earthquakes and man-made ones is crucial for knowing the current situation. The phenomena we experience in Poland belong to the second category and are referred to by seismologists as ‘induced quakes’ or ‘steps’. Their direct origin is intensive mining exploitation of hard coal, lignite and copper ore.

The mechanics is comparatively simple. As the mines scope for the deposits at expanding depths, the natural balance in the mountaintop is breached. Tensions increase in stone structures that accumulate immense energy. erstwhile stress exceeds the strength of rocks, this energy is rapidly released in the form of shock. The deeper and more intense the extraction, the greater the hazard of stronger and more frequent bluntness. That's why the highest activity is observed in mining areas.

Unfortunately, data from fresh years confirm a worrying trend – the number and strength of induced shocks are steadily increasing. This is simply a direct consequence of the ongoing operation. The expanding force in geological structures combined with natural instability of rocks creates a mixture that poses a real threat to the infrastructure on the surface and to the safety of the inhabitants.

Intense rains add fuel to the fire? amazing hazard Factor

Although the main origin of the shock is mining, experts point to an additional origin that could intensify the last series of events. It's about exceptionally dense rainfallwhich visited Poland in fresh weeks. The link between hydrology and seismology is well documented, although little frequently discussed in the public context.

Rainwater, penetrating deep into the ground, can penetrate existing cracks and stone cracks. This causes the alleged porous force to rise, which acts like a wedge, weakening the structure of rocks and reducing friction between them. In areas where tectonic stresses are already advanced due to mining activities, specified a "lubricating" function of water may be an inflammatory spark that triggers more, though usually local, tremors.

This phenomenon would explain why any of the last vibrations appeared shortly after dense rains. Although water itself does not make powerful earthquakes, in a geologically unstable environment specified as mining areas, it can importantly contribute to expanding the frequency of smaller and medium-sized earthquakes, expanding the sense of danger among the local community.

What are the real threats? What does this mean for the people and the future of the region?

The expanding number and regularity of seismic shocks in Poland is not only a geophysical curiosity, but above all a serious social and infrastructure problem. The most crucial consequence is a increasing sense of danger among residents mining regions. Fear of the stableness of buildings, especially those older ones, and fear of possibly stronger shock in the future become part of everyday life.

In the long term, the current situation may force the authorities to take concrete action. A revision of natural material policy and government on spatial planning in susceptible areas may be necessary. It is worth noting that another countries that faced akin problems decided to introduce limits on maximum mining depth or invest in costly programmes to strengthen key infrastructure specified as bridges, roads or public buildings.

Although the current series of shocks did not origin a disaster, it is simply a serious informing signal. The increasing scale of the phenomenon can yet force Poland to change its approach to the exploitation of underground resources on a permanent basis, where not only economical profit will become a priority, but above all the safety of millions of citizens.