A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Spanish city of Granada in the early hours of Saturday morning (August 15), prompting tourists to flee and causing damage to homes and cars. The quake occurred at 1.04am at a depth of 2km, followed by another at a depth of 10km, according to the National Geographic Institute. The epicenter was recorded at latitude 37.1147 degrees and longitude -3.6618 degrees.
No Injuries Reported but Property Damaged
The regional government of the metropolitan area of Alhendín confirmed that no injuries had been reported. However, houses and cars were badly damaged, with footage captured by Spanish television channel TVE. Antonio Sanz Cabello, vice-president of the Andalusian regional government, declared an emergency in a post on X on Saturday.
Cabello advised residents: "If you're in Granada, you've felt the earthquake, you're okay, and your home shows no damage, stay calm and avoid entering and exiting buildings unnecessarily. On the street, stay away from facades, cornices, balconies, walls, and other elements that could fall."
Seismic Swarm and Aftershocks
The earthquakes in Granada are described as a 'seismic swarm' rather than a single strong tremor. This phenomenon involves a large number of moderate tremors concentrated in the same area, which can continue for days. Eduardo Martos, head of Emergencies for the Granada Provincial Council, told the public that experts are warning of more aftershocks, likely between magnitude 3 and 3.5.
"There is no structural damage," said Martos, adding that 'preventative' evacuations took place and people have been able to return home. María Jesús Montero, General Secretary of the PSOE party in Andalusia, urged caution, writing on X: "Take care following the 5-magnitude earthquake and the numerous tremors that have occurred in Granada, which have also been felt in other provinces. Our thoughts are with those affected and please, caution regarding the damage caused to buildings and streets."
Previous Quake and Ongoing Monitoring
Cabello later provided an update on the emergency plan, stating on X: "On the Advisory Committee of the Seismic Risk Emergency Plan of Andalusia. We are monitoring, assessing the scope, and providing immediate response to seismic movements in the province of #Granada with experts, institutions, and town councils."
Granada experienced a 3.7-magnitude earthquake on July 26, which struck 6km south of the city. Its epicenter was in the town of Ogíjares at a depth of 6km, and it was felt in several municipalities in Malaga and Granada provinces.
