Else Beekman
Several villages in the Valencia province were rocked by a series of four earthquakes on Thursday morning, which struck in quick succession within just over an hour. The tremors, varying in magnitude, have caused concern among local residents, although no significant damage or injuries have been reported.
The first earthquake, registering a magnitude of 2.9 on the Richter scale, occurred at 10.11 am in Sumacàrcer, at a depth of zero kilometres. Just half an hour later, a second tremor with a magnitude of 1.5 was recorded at a depth of 12 kilometres.
Although emergency services did not receive any calls related to the seismic activity, local authorities confirmed that the tremors were indeed felt by the population. The regional authorities have since stepped up monitoring efforts in the affected areas.
Emergency services on alert
The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has been closely monitoring the region and its fault lines, with experts keeping a watchful eye on any further seismic events. Following the quakes, the Generalitat’s Emergency Coordination Centre (Cecopi) activated Situation 0 of its Special Plan for Seismic Risk, allowing officials to track the seismic activity in the Ribera Alta region.
The third earthquake, measuring 2.1 in magnitude, struck at 11.22 am in the village of Gabarda, at a depth of 4 kilometres. Just 22 minutes later, the fourth and largest tremor, measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale, was recorded at Alcàntera de Xúquer, with a depth of 5 kilometres.
No major incidents reported
Irene Rodríguez, the Secretary for Safety and Emergencies, confirmed in a meeting of the Coordination Centre that municipal officials from the affected areas had been contacted to ensure the situation was under control. However, she reassured the public that the emergency services’ 112 hotline had not received any calls, and no incidents related to the quakes had been detected. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, residents of the affected villages are advised to remain alert and follow any guidance issued by emergency services in the coming hours.
Earthquakes in Valencia
Although the Valencia region is generally less seismically active compared to other parts of Spain, such as Andalusia, earthquakes do occur. Most of these are relatively minor. However, there have been instances in the past where more significant damage has been caused. The most recent major earthquake occurred in 2011, registering a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale. Its epicentre was near Bocairent, approximately 80 km southeast of Valencia.