article_detail

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook the province of Almería at 10.38pm on Wednesday October 29. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) pinpointed the epicentre in the North Alboran Sea, about two kilometres deep, just south of El Ejido near Balerma .

 

This was the strongest quake recorded in the area in recent months, significantly stronger than the 2.5 magnitude tremor detected near Almería on June 2, earlier this year. Since then, Almería has seen frequent seismic activity, including nearly twenty tremors in September and three small quakes on October 23 near Turrillas, Zurgena and Lúcar.

 

The 4.2 tremor was felt with an intensity rating of IV on the European Macroseismic Scale in areas including Las Cabañuelas (Vícar), San Agustín (El Ejido) and Venta Gaspar (Almería). Level III shaking was felt in El Canal (Adra), Almerimar, Roquetas de Mar, Dalías, Huércal de Almería, and other towns.

 

To understand these readings: an intensity of IV means many people indoors felt the quake and very few outside did. It can wake some and cause small vibrations like rattling dishes or swinging objects but no damage. Intensity III feels like slight swaying indoors but no harm, and II is barely noticeable, felt by few.

 

Two aftershocks followed the main quake: a 2.5 magnitude tremor near Adra at 10.08pm and a 1.8 magnitude movement south of Balanegra at 10.34pm, at depths of five and fourteen kilometres respectively.

 

Almería is in a seismically active zone means residents are accustomed to frequent, mostly mild tremors of seismic activity, as part of a natural pattern given its location. No damage or injuries have been reported from Wednesday night’s tremor, but it serves as a reminder to stay prepared for these occasional reminders from the earth.

 

 

Image: IGN