A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Andalusia, Spain, early Thursday, primarily affecting Cazalla de la Sierra in Sevilla. Tremors were felt across 200 towns in several provinces, leading to mobile alerts and widespread community concern. The event highlights the latent seismic risks in Andalusia, which is mostly quiet but occasionally experiences tremors due to nearby tectonic activities.
A significant earthquake measuring 4.1 magnitude struck Andalusia, Spain, early Thursday. The epicenter was located in Cazalla de la Sierra, Sevilla, as reported by the National Geographic Institute (IGN). Tremors were felt in nearly 200 towns across multiple provinces including Sevilla, Huelva, Cordoba, and Badajoz. The quake occurred around 3:29 AM at a depth of 10 km, prompting alerts to local mobile phones.
Adrian Torres, the mayor of Cazalla de la Sierra, noted that residents felt the seismic activity strongly. E Mendoza, a local from Constantina, reported experiencing terrifying vibrations, comparing the sensation to a washing machine. Mendoza described how the tremors woke him up, lasting nearly a minute and causing widespread panic, reflective of the fears expressed by many in the area.
Alerts were dispatched to notify residents about the earthquake’s magnitude and location, along with safety advice. Social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp were filled with conversations as people checked on the welfare of their neighbors and relatives. Another local emphasized the disruptive nature of the quake, indicating that it caused significant confusion, especially given it occurred at night.
While large earthquakes are unusual in Andalusia, the region is prone to smaller tremors, particularly near tectonic zones such as the Gibraltar Belt. The inherent geological instability in the region occasionally results in earthquakes, which can disrupt the tranquility of otherwise popular tourist destinations like Seville, Malaga, Grenada, and Cadiz.
This incident highlights the need for preparedness in areas prone to seismic activity, especially for communities accustomed to relative calm. Authorities received numerous emergency calls as residents sought clarity and support after the seismic event. Awareness and timely communication can significantly mitigate the fear and panic associated with such occurrences.
The 4.1 magnitude earthquake in Andalusia underscores the seismic risks in the region, despite the rarity of significant quakes. Prompt alerts and communication facilitated community responses, reflecting strong local engagement during emergencies. Continuous monitoring and preparedness are essential to ensure safety and minimize panic in residential areas close to active tectonic zones.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
