A 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Spain early Monday, jolting residents and visitors in popular holiday destinations around Almeria province.
Quake Details
The tremor hit at 12:55 a.m. local time on February 16, with its epicenter near the town of Tabernas, close to the Desierto de Tabernas solar plant. Occurring at a very shallow depth, the quake registered initially as 4.5 before officials confirmed the 4.3 magnitude.
Areas Impacted
Strong shaking affected more than 100 municipalities across Almeria province, with tremors felt in neighboring Murcia, Granada, and Jaén. Almeria, a favored destination for British tourists, experienced widespread reports of beds rattling and houses shaking.
Resident Experiences
Locals described intense sensations. One resident noted, “He was sleeping, and the whole bed had moved.” Another said, “I was on the sofa, and it has moved backwards.” Tabernas Mayor José Díaz stated, “What a fright we had; the whole house shook.”
Residents rushed into the streets to inspect for damage, but no injuries or structural issues have been reported.
Aftershocks and Official Update
The National Geographic Institute recorded several small aftershocks shortly after, ranging from 1.5 to 1.9 in magnitude at depths up to 13 km. Officials continue to monitor the situation as reports affected areas come in.
