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Earthquakes epicenter is in the Alboran Sea. Credit: IGN
Residents report feeling a short but shocking tremor along the Almeria coast
Location and impact
On Wednesday, October 29, a magnitude 4,2 quake struck the southern coast of Spain. It was centred under the Mar de Alboran area in Andalucia.
According to preliminary data the event occurred on 22.38 local time at a depth yet unknown.
The epicentre was located 37 km south of El Ejido in Almeria, under the Alboran Norte Sector of the Alboran Sea. No serious injuries or damage have been reported due to the offshore location and magnitude of the earthquake.
Residents describe the moment
In several coastal cities, residents reported feeling a short vibrating sound lasting approximately ten second. Rosalia from Balerma said the experience was unnerving.
Seismic background
The Alboran Sea falls within a seismically productive zone where African and Eurasian plate tectonics interact. Smaller events like these are not as common, but they do occur. The data indicates that there are 28 earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 4 per year within 300 km from the coast of Spain, which is roughly one every thirteen days.
What you need to know
- Residents and visitors to coastal Andalucia are not surprised by a mild tremor. This event is within the normal range.
- Standard earthquake-precaution measures apply: check building safety if you felt shaking; avoid placing heavy objects above head height; and stay informed via official channels.
- The authorities will continue to monitor the aftershocks. Given the size and depth of this tremor, it is unlikely that there will be any significant tremors, but caution should still be exercised.
Looking forward
Although relatively minor, the quake serves to remind us of the seismicity of the area. The data may be used by local agencies to improve their public-information and emergency preparedness systems. Although the event seems to pose no immediate threat, it does highlight the importance of being aware in areas with tectonically active regions.
