A moderate 5.4-magnitude earthquake has struck the Atlantic Ocean off Portugal, making it the strongest earthquake in the region in 15 years, according to seismologists. Shaking was felt in Lisbon and as far away as Morocco.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said Monday’s tremor had a magnitude of 5.4 and struck about 17 kilometers (10 miles) below the seabed, making it a shallow earthquake. Portugal’s seismological agency, IPMA, put the magnitude at 5.3.
Shaking was felt across the region, including in Lisbon and other nearby cities where scores of people said the tremors were strong enough to wake them.
“We are located on the ground floor apartment and the entire building shook above us and the floor below us felt like it was sinking. Our dogs woke up and were freaking out,” Keira McCann told BNO News. “We did not expect to experience this in Portugal.”
Vera Fassbender also described the tremor, saying: “I live in Lisbon and felt it shaking for 3-5 seconds. I am on the 8th floor. It was a light shaking but very noticeable and also a bit scary!”
The earthquake was also felt in parts of Morocco, including in the Casablanca area.
“Initially thought I was just shaking while sleeping until my brother rushed to properly wake me up and tell me that he felt it too,” Rimah Oubella in Casablanca said. “Not too strong of a shake but enough for the bed and my body to move.”
There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries. There is no threat of a tsunami.
Monday’s quake was the strongest to hit along the coast of Portugal since 2009, when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast. One of the worst disasters happened in 1755, when a powerful earthquake killed up to 50,000 people, including 10,000 in Morocco.
Tremors Felt Across Lisbon
The earthquake was felt across the Portuguese capital, with many residents taking to social media to report the shaking. Videos shared online showed people reacting to the tremor, some visibly startled.
One video, shared on Twitter, showed a Portuguese streamer, 7Kazzio7, reacting to the earthquake while live streaming. Another video captured the moment the earthquake struck a CNN Portugal studio in Lisbon, with journalists reacting to the tremors. These videos highlighted the widespread impact of the earthquake, particularly in the Lisbon area.
Earthquake in Portugal: The Bigger Picture
While the recent earthquake was significant for its strength and the areas it affected, it’s important to understand that Portugal, like many other regions, is situated in an active seismic zone. This means that earthquakes are a possibility, and preparedness is crucial.
The earthquake off the coast of Lisbon serves as a reminder of the potential for seismic activity, even in seemingly stable regions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with earthquakes and having plans in place for dealing with them.
A World of Earthquakes
The earthquake off Portugal was not an isolated incident. Earthquakes occur around the world every day. Just days before, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga, followed by a 3.9-magnitude earthquake in California. These events highlight the dynamic nature of the Earth’s crust and the importance of monitoring seismic activity.
While the majority of earthquakes are relatively small and cause little to no damage, some can be devastating. In recent years, major earthquakes have caused significant destruction and loss of life in various regions, underscoring the need for preparedness and mitigation measures.
The world continues to monitor seismic activity, with scientists and researchers working to better understand the causes of earthquakes and develop effective early warning systems to minimize the impact of these natural disasters.
Earthquakes: A Constant Reminder of Nature’s Power
Earthquakes are a reminder of the power of nature and our place within it. The recent earthquake off the coast of Portugal, though relatively small in comparison to some historical events, serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
While we cannot prevent earthquakes from happening, we can take steps to mitigate their impact. This includes understanding the risks, having evacuation plans in place, and ensuring buildings are built to withstand seismic activity.
The news cycle may move on, but the Earth’s tectonic plates continue to shift, reminding us that the ground beneath our feet is never truly stable. It’s a reminder that nature’s power is something we must always respect and prepare for.
