In the early hours of Monday morning, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale hit waters 7.7km south-east of the capital city, Lisbon, and 74km south-west of Setúbal. The shocks were most intense in areas like Sines, Lisbon, and Setúbal, with reports on social media of the earthquake being felt as far as Porto, Spain, and Morocco. The Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) later revised the earthquake’s magnitude to 5.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake occurred at 5:11 am local time with its epicentre located 58 kilometres west of Sines on the high seas, at a depth of 21 kilometres. The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) reported that they received numerous calls from concerned citizens seeking information and guidance following the earthquake.
According to Commander José Miranda from ANEPC, there were no victims or significant damage reported at the time. The only reported incident was in Sesimbra, where potential cracks in buildings were being assessed. The Portuguese government issued a statement reassuring the population that they were in close coordination with all relevant services in the aftermath of the earthquake. They stated that there was no record of personal or material damage and urged the population to remain calm and follow the recommendations of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority.
The earthquake, which originated off the coast of Portugal, was detected by the US Geophysical Institute (USGS) and the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. Despite its magnitude, there were no reports of widespread destruction or casualties. The tremors were felt in various parts of the country, with the most intense impact felt in Sines, Lisbon, and Setúbal. Social media was flooded with reports of the earthquake reaching as far as Porto, Spain, and Morocco, indicating the widespread reach of the seismic activity.
The IPMA later revised the earthquake’s magnitude to 5.3 on the Richter scale, providing a more accurate assessment of the seismic event. The fact that the earthquake occurred offshore likely contributed to the limited damage reported on land. However, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority remained vigilant and responsive to any potential threats or incidents arising from the earthquake. Commander José Miranda noted the influx of calls from concerned citizens seeking information and guidance, emphasizing the importance of communication and support in such situations.
In the wake of the earthquake, the Portuguese government emphasized the importance of remaining calm and following the instructions of the relevant authorities. While the earthquake did not result in significant damage or casualties, it served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic events. The government’s reassurance to the population highlighted their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens. By coordinating with various services and agencies, they aimed to address any potential risks or concerns arising from the earthquake, showcasing their proactive approach in times of crisis.
Overall, the earthquake that struck off the coast of Portugal early Monday morning served as a wake-up call for the population, highlighting the importance of preparedness and prompt response in the face of natural disasters. While the tremors were felt across various regions, the overall impact was minimal, with no major damage or casualties reported. The coordinated efforts of the government and emergency services played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the population, showcasing the importance of effective communication and response mechanisms in times of crisis. As the country continues to monitor and assess the situation, the lessons learned from this earthquake will undoubtedly inform future disaster preparedness and response strategies, ultimately strengthening the resilience of the population in the face of such events.
