A strong magnitude 5.0 earthquake shook the province of Granada early this morning, with its epicenter located near Alhendín. The seismic event, recorded at 01:04:40 AM, has caused material damage and generated over 200 calls to the 112 emergency service. The Regional Government of Andalusia has activated operational situation 1 of the Seismic Risk Plan due to the earthquake's magnitude and reported incidents in the metropolitan area of Granada.
The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has located the epicenter in Alhendín, south of the Granadian capital, estimating a magnitude of 5.0 mbLg with a maximum intensity of V-VI in the area. The earthquake was also felt in numerous parts of the province of Almería, albeit with much lower intensity.
In Almería capital, the IGN registered an intensity level of II, confirming the perception of the tremor. Almerian municipalities such as Huércal de Almería, Viator, Benahadux, Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce, El Ejido, Adra, Berja, La Mojonera, Vícar, and Huércal-Overa also reported feeling the tremor, with intensities reaching level III in some specific points, such as in El Bobar, El Mamí, Las Marinas de Roquetas de Mar, Ensenada de San Miguel, Benecid, and Rágol.
The effects of the earthquake in Granada included landslides, falling cornices and debris, as well as damage to facades. A precautionary evacuation of a building in Las Gabias occurred, and damage is being assessed in other areas. No personal injuries have been reported so far.
The difference in intensity between the epicentral zone and Almería is significant. While levels V-VI were reached in Granada, it was II in the Almerian capital. The IGN explains that magnitude quantifies the earthquake's size, while intensity measures its effects and perception, which decreases with distance from the epicenter.
The main earthquake was accompanied by several aftershocks of lesser magnitude in the Granada area, recorded in locations such as Gójar, Ogíjares, Otura, and La Zubia. Subsequent seismic activity is being monitored, although the presence of aftershocks does not allow for the prediction of a larger magnitude event.
The seismic event had a wide perception radius, also being felt in provinces such as Málaga, Jaén, and Córdoba. In Almería, the key takeaway is that the earthquake was felt in both the capital and numerous municipalities, crossing the province with intensities ranging between II and III.
