An earthquake measuring 5.0 in magnitude struck Alhendín, Granada, at 1.04 hours on Saturday at a depth of 2 kilometers, according to the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), prompting more than 80 calls to the 112 emergency service in Andalusia and causing material damage across the region’s metropolitan area.
The tremor, which was initially measured at 4.8 before being revised upward by the IGN (an agency operating under the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda), triggered emergency calls from every Andalusian province except Huelva and Cádiz, according to the 112 emergency service. Local authorities and emergency teams recorded material damage in metropolitan areas such as Armilla, where the impact left structural damage including falling roof tiles, damaged facades, and debris.
Did You Know? Residents across nearly every municipality in Granada reported feeling the earthquake through moving furniture and rattling doors and windows, allowing the IGN to map its reach. Beyond the metropolitan hub, the tremor was felt in northern Granada localities such as Huéscar, coastal towns including Almuñécar, Salobreña, and Motril, as well as the Alpujarra and poniente regions, while reaching as far as Jaén, Almería, Málaga, and Córdoba.
Impacts and Emergency Response Across Granada
Members of civil protection and security forces carried out a preventive evacuation of a building in Las Gabias after it sustained potential damage from the earthquake, as explained by Granada’s Deputy for Emergencies, Eduardo Martos, in information reported by additional coverage. While the local police in Granada confirmed no personal injuries, visible cracks and falling cornices appeared in the Albaicín and the city center. Meanwhile, municipal crews deployed across affected zones like Armilla and Churriana to handle facade debris, while power outages struck areas including Huétor Vega.
The Junta de Andalucía officially activated the emergency phase, operational situation 1, of its Seismic Risk Plan. Antonio Sanz, the regional minister for the presidency, health, and emergencies, announced the activation due to the earthquake’s intensity and the widespread public response.
A second seismic event measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale struck nearby Gójar just six minutes after the main shock, originating at a depth of 1 kilometer. These events followed three smaller earthquakes recorded on Friday in the same metropolitan zone of Granada, which had already put residents on high alert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official magnitude and depth of the earthquake?
The Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) recorded the main earthquake at a magnitude of 5.0 at a depth of 2 kilometers, following an initial preliminary estimate of 4.8.
Which provinces and areas felt the tremor?
Were there any injuries reported?
Local authorities confirmed that no personal injuries have been recorded, though the event caused material damage, facade desquamation, and prompted the preventive evacuation of a building in Las Gabias.
What steps should residents living in active seismic zones like Granada take to prepare for potential aftershocks?
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