The province of Granada has recorded over 420 earthquakes in just four days, and experts warn that seismic activity may continue in the coming days.
The seismic activity has resulted in three minor injuries, including one minor who was taken to the hospital, reported emergency advisor Antonio Sanz. Additionally, medical assistance was provided to about ten people, mainly due to anxiety attacks, nervous tension, and falls.
Residents of Granada have been feeling underground tremors for several days. Since Saturday, the province has recorded over 420 earthquakes, most of which had a magnitude of less than 1.5 and were almost imperceptible to the population, explained Carlos González, a seismologist from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), to 20minutos. According to the IGN report, since August 15 at 00:03, 136 earthquakes with a magnitude of 1.5 or higher, or those felt by residents, have been recorded.
The peak of this series of earthquakes occurred on Tuesday, when an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 hit Gojar, reaching an intensity of V-VI. Another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 occurred north of Alhendín. These were followed by tremors with magnitudes of 4.0 east of Ogíjares and 3.9 in Churriana de la Vega.
Throughout the day, the province experienced particularly intense seismic activity between 08:37, when an earthquake with its epicenter in Gojar occurred, and 10:40, when a tremor with its epicenter in Ogíjares was recorded. During this time, 23 earthquakes occurred in just over two hours.
The expert noted that earthquakes “will continue to occur in the coming days,” although he clarified that “it is impossible to predict their magnitude or the location where they will occur.” He added that the tremors are likely to continue for several days but could last longer, and it is currently unknown when this seismic sequence will end.
González compared the current situation to the episode in 2021, when the tremors “lasted quite a long time.” The main earthquakes then occurred in January and February, but the number of tremors increased in the summer. “No one can predict when this sequence will end,” he emphasized.
Due to the seismic activity, the Granada City Council has moved from a preliminary readiness phase to an emergency situation phase — operational status 1. This allows for the mobilization of additional resources and improved public information. Currently, the 112 service has received about 500 calls.
Causes of seismic activity
The cause of the seismic activity in Granada is related to the geological structure of the region. The province is located in the Baetic Cordillera, where numerous active fault systems converge. Due to this, stress accumulates in the Earth’s crust until the rocks can no longer withstand the pressure and movement occurs, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.
“Faults accumulate stress and tension. When the earth can no longer withstand the pressure, it moves. It’s like something being pushed until suddenly one day it gives way. This movement releases energy in the form of seismic waves that shake the ground,” the seismologist explained.
Recommendations during an earthquake
According to IGN recommendations, if a person is indoors during an earthquake, they should stay away from furniture, windows, and lamps and try to protect their head, for example, by taking cover under a table. “If you are at home, it is best to stay inside and try to protect yourself,” the expert explained.
Those who are outside during the tremors “should stay away from buildings, walls, and power poles and seek open spaces such as parks,” the seismologist clarified. This helps to avoid injuries from falling objects or structures. If a person is driving, the safest thing to do is to stop the car, turn on the hazard lights, and stay inside.
Additionally, one should not use elevators, enter damaged buildings, or light fires. After an earthquake, if it is safe, it is recommended to turn off the water, electricity, and gas supply.
