A 2.8 magnitude earthquake was felt in Torrevieja and along the coast and second line of the Vega Baja region. The tremor occurred at 12:23 AM on Tuesday morning, with its epicenter located offshore, of the coastal area of Torrevieja town centre. It was very shallow, with a depth of only 2 kilometers.
The Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN) received dozens of reports from residents who felt the tremor, which took place during the busy Easter holiday season. In addition to Torrevieja, the quake was felt in several other towns and residential areas including Orihuela Costa, Guardamar del Segura, San Fulgencio, Rojales, San Miguel de Salinas, Los Montesinos, and Pilar de la Horadada.
Vibration only moderate
According to the European Macroseismic Scale, which measures earthquake intensity from I to XII based on how people and objects are affected, this earthquake was rated between levels II and IV. Level IV describes a quake felt indoors by many people and by very few outdoors.
Some people were awakened, but the vibrations were only moderate and not frightening. In terms of objects, there were reports of dishes, glassware, windows, and doors vibrating, and hanging items swinging, though there were no reports of damage.
Throughout the year, dozens of micro-earthquakes occur in the southernmost part of Alicante province. Generally, only those above magnitude 2 are felt by the public. Due to this seismic risk, building codes in the Vega Baja were updated in the early 2000s, requiring seismic safety measures in construction projects.
Historical Context
Vega Baja is one of Spain’s areas with the highest seismic risk, along with the province of Granada. This risk is recognized both historically and scientifically and is accounted for in emergency and construction regulations. The region experienced three major earthquakes in the 19th century.
The 10 most powerful earthquakes in the world since 1900
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