A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Murcia region of Spain on Sunday, prompting more than 80 emergency calls but causing no reported injuries or damage. The quake, recorded at 11:59 am by Spain's National Geographic Institute (IGN), had its epicentre near the town of Librilla, about 18 miles from the city of Murcia.
Quake Felt Across Tourist Areas
The tremor lasted several seconds and was felt in the neighbouring provinces of Alicante and Albacete. Alicante is a popular destination for British holidaymakers, and nearby Benidorm attracts millions of UK visitors each year. The quake's depth was approximately three miles, according to IGN.
The Region of Murcia's 112 Emergency Coordination Centre reported receiving over 80 calls from various points in the region. In a post on X, the centre stated: "The 112 Emergency Coordination Centre for the Region of Murcia has received more than 80 calls at various points in the region. So far, no personal or material damage has been reported."
Recent Seismic Activity on the Rise
IGN noted that the earthquake follows a recent increase in seismic activity in the area. In the days leading up to Sunday's quake, seven tremors were recorded, bringing the total over the past month to 21. The 4.1-magnitude event is the strongest in the region in six months, surpassing a 2.3-magnitude quake on June 3.
This tremor comes just days after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck Naples, Italy, on Friday, which damaged buildings and vehicles and left around 20 people injured.
Historical Context and Tectonic Setting
Spain has experienced more destructive earthquakes in the past. In 2011, a 5.2-magnitude quake hit the southern town of Lorca, killing 10 people in the country's deadliest earthquake in decades. Lorca, southwest of Alicante, suffered extensive damage, with several buildings collapsing, a hospital evacuated, and cars crushed by falling masonry.
Southern Spain is one of the country's most earthquake-prone regions because Andalusia and Murcia sit on the northern edge of the collision zone between the Eurasian and Nubian (African) tectonic plates. The Nubian plate moves northwards towards Eurasia at a rate of about 4 to 5 millimetres per year. This movement, which helped form the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and the Alps in central Europe, continues to cause seismic activity in southern Spain today. The activity is concentrated along the Betic Cordillera, a mountain range stretching from the Gibraltar Arc through Malaga, Granada, Almeria and Murcia to the Mediterranean coast.
