The IGN has recorded three earthquakes in the last few hours in the Canary Islands: two northwest of Fuerteventura, with magnitudes of 3.2 and 2.1, and another of 2.0 in Frontera, El Hierro. None have caused damage.
The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has detected three seismic movements in the Canary archipelago between the early hours of Sunday, July 12, and Monday, July 13, 2026. Two of them were located in the Atlantic Ocean, northwest of Fuerteventura, and the third in the municipality of Frontera, on the island of El Hierro. All were of low magnitude and have not caused incidents or alerts.
Two tremors northwest of Fuerteventura
The first earthquake occurred at 00:33 hours on Sunday 12, with a magnitude of 3.2 and an epicentre at a depth of 15 kilometres. Hours later, in the early hours of Monday, at 03:22 hours, a second earthquake was recorded in the same area, with a magnitude of 2.1 and a focus at just 7 kilometres deep. Both went unnoticed by the population, according to IGN sources.
These seismic movements are common in the Canary Islands due to their volcanic origin. The archipelago sits on a hotspot that generates constant tectonic activity, although most tremors are imperceptible. For residents of the northern coast of Fuerteventura, such as those in La Oliva or Puerto del Rosario, this type of episode usually does not cause alarm, but the IGN maintains constant monitoring.
An earthquake in Frontera, El Hierro
The third movement occurred at 01:26 hours on Monday in the municipality of Frontera, to the west of El Hierro. It reached a magnitude of 2.0 and originated at a depth of 38 kilometres. It was also not felt by the locals, although the island is especially monitored following the seismic crisis of 2011-2012, which led to an underwater eruption off the coast of La Restinga.
El Hierro, the westernmost island of the Canaries, records hundreds of microseisms each year, most of which are imperceptible. The IGN reminds the population to remain calm and follow official guidelines in the event of a larger magnitude incident. For now, activity remains within normal parameters.
For residents in Frontera, such as those in the areas of Sabinosa or Tigaday, this earthquake has not posed any novelty. However, the IGN recommends reviewing family emergency plans, just in case. After all, living on a volcanic island has its quirks: the ground shakes from time to time, but life goes on as usual.
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