An earthquake has been detected off the coast of Andalucia.
The tremor, measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale, was recorded at 8.38am on Sunday, October 5, in what was the second tremor to hit the area in just over a week.
According to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN), the quake struck off the coast of Huelva and south of Cape St Vincent, at a depth of around 30km beneath the seabed.
A similar event occurred in the same area only days earlier – at 6:41am on September 24 – registering a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale and a depth of 25 kilometres.
Unlike other tremors occasionally felt along the Huelva coastline, neither quake was noticed by residents, and no emergency calls were received by the Andalusian 112 hotline.
Emergency advice from authorities
Spain’s Emergency Service 112 Andalucía has reiterated safety guidance on what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Residents are advised to keep a basic emergency kit at home – including first-aid supplies, bottled water and a battery-powered radio – and to remain calm if a tremor occurs.
If indoors, people should stay inside, taking cover under sturdy furniture or against a solid wall and protecting their head and neck. Those outside should avoid entering buildings and move away from structures, trees or power lines.
Once the shaking stops, occupants should leave buildings calmly and in an orderly way, only if it is safe to do so. Drivers caught on the road are advised to pull over to a safe spot and stay inside the vehicle until the movement ceases.
Though Sunday’s tremor was minor and caused no damage, experts continue to monitor the area south of Cape St Vincent.
It is a region where undersea seismic activity is relatively common due to the junction of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
