Portugal Earthquake Magnitude 5.3: Detail and Effects

Portugal Earthquake Magnitude 5.3

On Monday morning, the Portuguese coast faced an earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale. The latest tremor occurred at 5:11 AM local time and was located 58 kilometers west of Sines under the Atlantic Ocean. Despite several reports mentioning that the tremors were felt as far as Spain and Morocco, no major destruction or loss of lives has been reported. 

Portugal Earthquake Location and Magnitude

As the dimensions of the quake were initially stated as 5.4, the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) changed it later to 5.3. The tremor originated in waters 7.7 km southeast of the city of Lisbon and 74 km to southwest from Setubal 21 kilometers down. Lisbon, Setúbal and Sines were most affected by the tremors, and people even as far north as Porto and people in Spain and Morocco felt the effects of the Portugal earthquake.

Public Reaction and Official Response – Portugal Earthquake

The Portugal earthquake raised profound concern in the area and a large number of calls were made to emergency services by the locals. The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority’s (ANEPC) Commander José Miranda said that most of these calls were made in order to receive information and advice. While the panic is evident, authorities have stated that there are no reports of serious damages and injuries.

In another proactive statement, the Portuguese government told the public that it is ensuring that all relevant services are working in coordination so as to observe the situation. The government further issued an explanation to the public about the level of anxiety among them and the representative of civil protection outlined the measures the members of the public need to follow.

Seismic Activity in Portugal 

In terms of historical record, Monday’s quake is the most powerful tremor to hit Portugal for more than a decade but its citizens should not expect unfamiliarness with trembling of the ground. Located at the meeting point of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, Portugal is earthquake-prone. Moderate earthquakes of less than magnitude 3.0 especially in the southern parts of the country and specifically the Azores, are very commonplace and often go unrecorded.

Quakes within the range of magnitudes 3.0 to 5.0 are relatively fewer in occurrence, but their damage is not too extreme, and most of the people living in this area do notice them. Before the one that struck on Monday, the last major tremor happened in 2009 and was measured at Bb and 100 Me on the Richter scale and hit up the south of the country. 

Historical Context – Portugal Earthquake

For instance, Portugal has one of the most active seismic histories and is known to have had one of the most destructive earthquakes. In the middle of the 18th century, the country witnessed devastation in what came to be known as the Great Lisbon Earthquake, which is believed to be a magnitude of 8.5 – 9.0 It is reported that the death toll exceeded 50000. Notably, the calamity was equally witnessed outside Portugal, with about 10000 people reported dead in Morocco.

Global Context and Precautions

Even though the magnitude was very significant, the earthquake that occurred on Monday did not have sufficient force to generate a tsunami along the US East Coast or Europe either. In another report, over 2000 respondents logged into the website of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and reported that they had felt the quake. The USGS likewise confirmed that for 30 days excluding the day of the incident, no earthquake activity was reported about 400 km away from the epicenter.

Although the most immediate danger has abated, the situation is still under control and the necessary action is in place. It is recommended that people in those specific areas remain alert and keep abreast of information coming from local authorities.

The recent earthquake in Portugal, which registered a 5.3 magnitudes, reminds one of the earthquakes that routinely occur in the farther northern regions of the country. While there was no loss of lives or damage to property, it brings about the need to be ready in cases where earthquakes might strike within a short period of time. All concerned agencies remain on standby so that every precautionary step is undertaken to ensure the safety of the people. From past experience, only catastrophes can explain why ordinary citizens, as well as officials, need to be informed about such natural phenomena and whether such precautions for warning them are effective or not.

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