Earthquake in Torrevieja measuring 2.4 on the Richter scale
Earthquake in Torrevieja measuring 2.4 on the Richter scale
A MINOR earthquake caused a rude awakening this morning (Monday) in the Torrevieja area, and was felt across numerous major urbanisations occupied mostly by British expats.
According to the National Geographical Institute (IGN), the quake measured 2.4 on the Richter scale at exactly 08.38hrs, with its epicentre to the south of the salt flats, near the Murcia border.
As it was 16 kilometres below the surface, the tremor was not severe and has not caused any damage.
At 2.4 – which is fairly typical for earthquakes in the south and south-east of Spain – the effect would be similar to a heavy lorry driving past at speed and may cause a visible, momentary shaking of elements on shelves or walls.
Residents would notice a sudden jerk in the floor which is over before they realise what is happening.
But small quakes are still felt over a wide area.
This morning's tremor in Torrevieja (pictured) was felt throughout the Vega Baja district in Benijófar, the Orihuela Costa, San Miguel de Salinas, Guardamar del Segura, the macro-urbanisation of Ciudad Quesada in Rojales, which are home to numerous British and other expats, and in Almoradí, Jacarilla, San Fulgencio, Algorfa and Benejúzar.
Emergency services say they did not receive any calls during or after the quake.