Des Moines Witnesses Rumbling Icequake, Shaking the City to Its CoreDes Moines Witnesses Rumbling Icequake, Shaking the City to Its Core On a frigid winter’s night, the usually serene streets of Des Moines, Iowa, were jolted by an extraordinary phenomenon: an icequake. Around 11:30 p.m., a deafening roar reverberated through the city, rattling windows, shaking houses, and sending residents rushing to check on their safety. Buildings swayed as if in the throes of a medieval siege, and the ground beneath their feet trembled. In the wake of the initial commotion, bewildered residents took to social media to share their experiences. Some described it as “a cross between an earthquake and a thunderclap,” while others compared it to “the rumble of a distant freight train.” As the shaking subsided, meteorologists confirmed that the city had indeed witnessed an icequake, a rare and powerful natural event. Icequakes occur when large bodies of ice, such as frozen lakes or rivers, crack and release pent-up energy, generating seismic waves that can travel far and wide. In Des Moines, the icequake was likely triggered by the extreme cold and the rapid expansion of ice on the Des Moines River. The city had experienced record-breaking low temperatures in the days leading up to the event, creating the perfect conditions for ice to form and build up tension. The icequake shook the city for several minutes, causing minor damage in some areas. A few homes reported broken windows and cracked walls, while one resident said their dog ran away in fear. Despite the disruption, there were no reports of serious injuries or major infrastructure damage. City officials and emergency responders quickly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. As the sun rose over the shaken city, residents cautiously returned to their routines, still marveling at the extraordinary natural event they had witnessed. Icequakes, while rare, are a reminder of the unpredictable forces that can shape our world.