A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck northwestern Louisiana early Thursday morning, marking the strongest seismic event recorded in the region in decades, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The quake occurred shortly after 5:30 a.m. on March 5, with its epicenter located just north of Coushatta. Initial readings from the USGS estimated the magnitude at 4.4 before it was later revised upward to 4.9 following further analysis.

Although earthquakes of this magnitude are considered moderate, the shaking was strong enough to wake many residents across the area.

People reported noticeable movement inside their homes as the tremor passed through the region. Some residents said furniture shifted slightly while pipes and household fixtures rattled during the early morning shaking.

Thomas Pressly, who represents Shreveport in the state legislature, said the quake woke him during the early hours of the morning.

Northwestern Louisiana is not typically associated with frequent seismic activity, making the event particularly notable for the region. Authorities have not reported significant damage or injuries so far, though officials continue to monitor the situation.

Seismologists say earthquakes of this size can be widely felt but rarely cause major structural damage, especially when they occur deep underground or in sparsely populated areas. Local emergency officials urged residents to remain alert for potential aftershocks, though none had been reported immediately following the event.