The earthquake occurred at 5:11 a.m. local time on Monday off the southwestern coast of Portugal, but its epicenter was in the Atlantic Ocean.
The quakes had a magnitude of 5.4 and struck about 17 kilometers (10 miles) beneath the seabed, making them shallow earthquakes, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Lisbon. Earthquake
The tremors were felt primarily in Lisbon, but also in Porto and other nearby towns near the coast. Over time, reports of the earthquake began to trickle in from other countries, including Spain and Morocco.
As the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said in an official statement, “this earthquake did not cause any material damage.”
Authorities only reported several cracks on a residential building in Quinta do Conde in the Setubal district and in the town of Sesimbra.
– We received many calls, especially from people who wanted to know what was happening and what they should do, said José Miranda of the National Office for Emergencies and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
Portugal. Earthquake off the Atlantic coast. Authorities appeal
ANEPC did not issue a tsunami warning because the earthquake had a magnitude of less than 6.0 on the Richter scale. “There was no such fear,” explained civil protection spokesman Andre Fernandes. He added that he had received confirmation of this information from the European Centre.
The Portuguese authorities are working closely with all relevant services on this matter. They have also issued a special message to citizens.
“We appeal to the population to remain calm and follow the recommendations of the National Office for Emergencies and Civil Protection,” we read in the statement.
Sources: CNN Portugal, EMSC, USGS
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