In the early hours of Monday, a significant earthquake with a magnitude between 5.3 and 5.4 struck Portugal, causing tremors felt across Lisbon, Setúbal, and as far as Spain and Morocco. Despite the intensity, no major damage or injuries have been reported so far.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake was recorded at 5:11 am local time, with its epicenter located 58 kilometers west of Sines, Portugal, at a depth of 21 kilometers. The tremors were most intense in the Sines, Lisbon, and Setúbal areas. Social media reports indicated that the earthquake was felt as far north as Porto and even in neighboring countries like Spain and Morocco.
Immediate Response
Commander José Miranda from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) reported receiving numerous calls from concerned residents. However, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. The Portuguese government quickly coordinated with relevant services and urged the population to remain calm and follow safety recommendations.
Historical Context
Portugal is situated near the boundary between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, making it susceptible to seismic activity. The country experiences several minor earthquakes annually, but quakes of this magnitude are less common. The last significant earthquake of similar strength occurred in 2009, with a magnitude of 5.6. One of the most devastating earthquakes in Portuguese history was the Great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which had an estimated magnitude of 8.5-9.0 and resulted in at least 50,000 deaths.
Public Reactions
Residents took to social media to share their experiences. Keira McCann, who lives in a ground-floor apartment, described the building shaking and her dogs waking up in a panic. Vera Fassbender, residing on the 8th floor in Lisbon, noted that the shaking lasted for 3-5 seconds and was quite noticeable. In Morocco, Rimah Oubella initially thought she was dreaming until her brother confirmed the tremors.
Government and Expert Statements
The Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) initially estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.4 but later revised it to 5.3. The US Geophysical Institute (USGS) and the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre also confirmed the earthquake. The government reassured the public that there was no significant damage and advised people to stay calm and follow the guidelines provided by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority.
While the earthquake was one of the strongest to hit Portugal in recent years, the lack of significant damage or casualties is a relief. The event serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of preparedness and quick response.
