4.8 Earthquake Injures Three and Forces Alhambra Evacuation in Granada
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Granada, Spain on Tuesday, causing cracks in walls, falling debris, minor injuries to three people and forcing the evacuation of the Alhambra, three days after a stronger 5.0 quake in the same area [4].
Strongest Tremor Hits Granada Region
The 4.8 quake struck at 08:38 GMT with its epicenter in Alhendín, 10 km south of Granada [4]. This event registered as the strongest in a series of movements that shook the zone on Tuesday morning [4]. Residents responded by leaving buildings and rushing into the streets [4]. Three people were lightly injured, including a child taken to hospital [4]. Emergency services received over 500 calls about cracks, falling rubble and anxiety attacks [4]. The tremor occurred three days after a magnitude 5.0 quake that woke residents in the early hours of Saturday without reported injuries at that time [4].
Evacuations and Damage Reported
The Alhambra was evacuated and is under safety review with possible closure [4]. The monument's management stated that the direction evaluates safety conditions and will decide on closure or possible reopening [4]. Videos on social networks showed debris scattered in the streets and some damage to vehicles in the tourist city [4]. One witness who was inside a supermarket described the event by writing that everything fell and it was terrifying [4]. Emergency services handled more than 500 calls reporting cracks, falling rubble and other incidents, including a dozen requests for medical assistance mainly due to anxiety attacks [4].
Official Response and Safety Warnings
Granada's city hall ordered closure of all municipal buildings except essential services [4]. The mayor urged the population to stay at home and avoid, especially if a repetition occurs, going out and placing themselves in line with buildings [4]. The regional president warned that further seismic activity and aftershocks are possible [4]. Experts have indicated that seismic movements and aftershocks may continue in the zone, and the president called for maximum prudence [4]. The Alhambra remains under safety review following the seismic activity [4].
Venezuela Experiences Aftershock
A separate magnitude 4.0 tremor felt in Caracas and Vargas state, Venezuela, was identified as an aftershock of the June 24 double earthquake [3]. The president of the Venezuelan Society of Geologists stated that this type of event will continue for at least 3 to 4 months and that some additional aftershocks could occur even after that period [3]. The geologist noted that the population lives in a seismic country and these tremors form part of seismic culture [3]. The movement was very close to populated centers at only 10 kilometers depth, which explains why it was felt strongly, yet calm was advised as this represents the normal adjustment of the fault segment [3].
Memorial Plaque Stolen in Christchurch
A brass memorial plaque was stolen from the site of the CTV building in Christchurch, New Zealand, where 115 people died in the 2011 earthquakes [2]. The six-storey building on the corner of Madras and Cashel Streets had been transformed to commemorate those killed when the structure collapsed [2].
Minor Quake Recorded in Alaska
A magnitude 2.6 earthquake was recorded 46 km WSW of Cantwell, Alaska at a depth of 1.0 km [1].
What to watch next: Further aftershocks remain possible in the Granada area while similar replicas in Venezuela are expected to continue for 3 to 4 months.
