AN EARTHQUAKE reaching 3.9 on the Richter scale gave residents in the province of Granada a rude awakening last night (Monday) and led to emergency service calls from at least 10 towns and villages.
The epicentre of the tremor was in Nigüelas at exactly 01.16 this morning (Tuesday), but was felt by dwellers in Padul, Churriana de la Vega, Otura, Las Gabias, Órgiva, Alhendín, the tied hamlet of Ambroz belonging to the larger town of Vegas de Genil, and in Granada city.
No injuries or property damage were reported.
The quake was a long way down – at least 12 kilometres below the surface, according to the National Geographical Institute (IGN) – meaning its effects would not have felt as severe as a 3.9 earthquake nearer the ground.
At this magnitude, even close to the surface, only minor damage would be likely at worst.
It would be enough to frighten people, but not to cause any real problems or lead to injuries.
With the exception of the devastating tremor in Lorca (Murcia) on May 11, 2011 – at 5.3 on the Richter scale and a kilometre below ground, making it the worst in over a century – earthquakes in Spain tend to result in little more than anecdote fodder or, at worst, items falling off shelves.
They do not cause any long-term structural erosion to properties.
Photograph by the National Geographical Institute (IGN)
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