The National Geographic Institute has recorded a 3.2 magnitude earthquake northwest of Fuerteventura. The tremor, which occurred at 01:55 hours, was felt lightly by the population.
The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has confirmed that the earthquake occurred at 01:55 hours in the early morning, with its epicentre in the Atlantic Ocean and at a depth of 15 kilometres. The magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale places it within the category of light earthquakes, but sufficient to be noticed by those who were awake or resting.
According to data from the IGN, the maximum intensity reached levels II and III on the European macroseismic scale. This means that the shaking was perceptible to people at rest, especially indoors during the night, but did not cause any material damage. Local authorities have not received reports of incidents.
An active seismic zone
This is not the first time that residents of Fuerteventura have felt a tremor. On June 30, the IGN recorded another earthquake in the same Atlantic strip, measuring 3.9 in magnitude and at a depth of 16 kilometres, in the channel that separates Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. That movement was clearly felt in Telde and more faintly in municipalities such as Antigua, Tuineje and Pájara.
Seismic activity in this area of the Archipelago is recurrent. Only during the month of June, the agency recorded several low-magnitude movements in the marine corridor between the two eastern islands, with values ranging from 2.2 to 2.3, always without consequences for the population.
Should citizens be concerned?
Experts remind us that these phenomena are common in the Canary Islands due to their geological context. The island of Fuerteventura, like the rest of the Archipelago, sits on a zone of moderate seismic activity. The IGN maintains continuous monitoring and recommends that the population remain calm in the face of low-magnitude tremors.
For residents of Fuerteventura, the feeling of having experienced an earthquake can be unsettling, but the data indicates that there is no cause for alarm. The depth of the epicentre and the low magnitude reduce the risk of damage. In the event of feeling a new tremor, authorities remind that it is best to stay away from windows and objects that may fall.
The IGN will continue to monitor seismic activity in the area and will update information if new movements occur. For now, residents can sleep soundly: the earthquake this morning was just a mild warning from nature.
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