Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Rocks Spanish Holiday Hotspots, Injuring Dozens
Tourists evacuated and public buildings closed in Granada after tremors felt 20km southwest of the city.
Sarah Connor
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Spanish holiday hotspots, causing dozens of injuries and widespread disruption.
Emergency services fielded over 50 calls, reporting damage across the affected region. Cristina Ruiz Lopez described the scene: "Everything came crashing down. It was terrifying."
Everything came crashing down. It was terrifying.
Granada's provincial authority responded by shutting administrative buildings, museums, and sporting facilities as a precaution. The city's metro system reduced train speeds, ensuring safety following the seismic activity.
The earthquake struck at 10:37 local time near the town of Alhendín, at a depth under 10km. Local officials claim at least three people sustained light injuries, with a number of buildings damaged.
The largest of Tuesday's quakes, reportedly a magnitude 4.7, had its epicenter in Gojar. Another report indicates a magnitude 4.6 earthquake, with an epicenter in Alhendín, felt across Andalucia's four eastern provinces.
Surface-level earthquakes are understood to be felt more intensely, causing more localized damage. Local officials also claim a number of vehicles were damaged by falling debris.
Damage was reported on Calle Navas, a popular tourist street, and the Iglesia del Sagrario was closed. Some museums, administrative buildings, and sports centers were reportedly forced to close.
Authorities interrupted tourist access to parts of the historic Alhambra complex. However, Antonio Sanz claims there was no damage to the Alhambra palace following Saturday's earthquake.