THREE minor earthquakes hit Andalucía in succession yesterday (Friday) morning, according to the National Geographical Institute (IGN), but no damage or injury have been reported.
The most 'serious' was in Baena (Córdoba province) at exactly 05.17 and measured 3.8 on the Richter scale.
It was followed at 05.48 in Benalmádena (Málaga province) with a quake reaching 3.5.
At magnitude 3 to 4, earthquakes do not normally cause damage greater than normal high winds, such as – at worst – a tile falling from a roof or solid objects, like terrace furniture and plant pots in outdoor areas falling over.
The intensity varies according to how close the quake is to the surface – one to five kilometres underground would magnify the movement and increase the risk of damage, but further down, it is unlikely to be felt at all.
In fact, the Baena quake was 12 kilometres underground and the Benalmádena tremor 58 kilometres below the surface.
Mayoress of Luque (Córdoba), Felisa Cañete, says some residents felt the Baena quake, but 'very little' and 'for barely a split second'.
The first of the three movements was at 02.57 in Archidona (Málaga province) and which, at 1.8 on the Richter scale, would not be felt at all even if it was very close to the surface.
Firefighters in the towns where the epicentres were located say they 'did not feel a thing' and emergency services did not receive any calls.
