Midnight Earthquake in Alentejo: 3.5 Magnitude Abalo Awakened from Sleep

The week started with earthquake tremors. On Monday morning, at exactly 03.08, there was a slight but noticeable tremor in the Alentejo region. According to the data of IPMA (Portuguese Marine and Atmospheric Institute), the magnitude of the earthquake was measured as 3.5. Where and How Was It Felt? This earthquake, whose epicenter was approximately 18 kilometers east of Odemira, was most evident in Ourique in the Beja region. This abalone, which reached intensity IV on the modified Mercalli scale, was easily noticed by those in the closed area. In addition to Ourique, it was also faintly felt in Almodôvar (Beja) and Santiago do Cacém on the Setúbal side. Frankly, in earthquakes of this magnitude, it is the sudden clicking sounds that scare people the most. Doors, windows, glasses and plates in the kitchen rattle, and even cars parked outside shake slightly. In fact, IPMA says that a feeling of this intensity is similar to a heavy tonnage truck passing in front of your house. Of course, the fears did not happen; Fortunately, no injuries or material damage were reported. Another Earthquake Before Midnight In fact, the only activity during the night was not limited to this. Just after midnight, a smaller earthquake of magnitude 2.5 was recorded at around 00.13 off the Algarve, about six kilometers east-southeast of Cape St. Vincent. However, this first abalone was so light that no one reported that it was felt. Small earthquakes of this scale occur frequently here in the normal course of life and generally do not leave any damage behind. Get well soon everyone and wish you a calm start to the day. Source: Lusa / Portugal Resident (Inês Lopes) Photo Source: IPMA