Lorraine Williamson
A shallow undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Almería early Monday morning, sending tremors across seven Spanish provinces and parts of North Africa. While the quake caused no physical damage, it jolted hundreds of residents from their sleep and triggered automatic alerts on smartphones throughout the region.
The 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit at 7.13 am local time on 14 July, with its epicentre located in the Mediterranean, just 32km off the coast of Níjar, near Cabo de Palos. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded the depth at a mere two kilometres—shallow enough to be widely felt.
Tremors felt across Southern Spain and North Africa
The shockwaves reverberated across Andalucia and the Levante region, reaching Almería, Granada, Málaga, Jaén, Murcia, Alicante and Albacete. The autonomous city of Melilla also reported movement, as did towns in northern Morocco and Algeria.
In total, more than 300 municipalities noted the tremor. In the small coastal village of Agua Amarga, near the epicentre, residents were jolted awake by shaking walls and an eerie, thunderous roar. “The house shook for several seconds,” said one witness. “It felt like the earth was growling.”
No reported damage, just a wake-up call
Emergency service 112 fielded over 25 calls, mainly from concerned residents in Almería. Fortunately, there have been no injuries or structural damage reported. Officials continue to monitor for aftershocks, though no further seismic activity had been confirmed by midday.
Phones buzz with alerts
Android users in affected areas received real-time earthquake warnings through Spain’s seismic alert system. The automated messages advised residents to check for gas leaks, avoid unstable structures, and remain cautious in case of aftershocks. The IGN classified the intensity as level IV—enough to rattle objects and disturb sleep, but not typically cause damage. My daughter was one of those who received the alert on her phone despite the fact she lives over 150 km away.
A region prone to movement
The Alborán Sea, where the quake originated, lies at the volatile junction between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. Earthquakes are not uncommon in this stretch of the western Mediterranean, and events of similar magnitude are recorded periodically. While this particular tremor stands out for its widespread reach, experts say it is consistent with the region’s geological profile.
Ongoing monitoring, no cause for alarm
Authorities are keeping a close eye on seismic readings but stress there’s no reason for public concern. However, several UK newspapers are featuring articles scaremongering their readers. Although startling, the quake serves as a reminder that southern Spain—particularly the Alborán basin—sits atop one of Europe’s most active fault lines.
As of now, life has returned to normal for those shaken awake by the early-morning tremor. Still, the event is likely to revive discussions around earthquake preparedness and alert systems, especially in coastal towns nearest the fault line.
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Source: El Pais