A 5.5 magnitude earthquake has hit 50 towns and cities in Spain this morning
UK tourists travelling to Spain have been warned after an earthquake hit 50 towns and cities in the region early this morning (July 14).
Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded a 5.5 magnitude ‘quake just after 7am, with hundreds of residents and holidaymakers impacted by the tremors – including in hotspots such as the Costa del Sol.
Areas including Granada, Málaga, Jaén, Murcia, Alicante and Albacete are believed to be affected by the incident, with tourists left panicked by the “incredible roar” early this morning.
One holidaymaker told local media, El País: “I was sleeping, and the whole house shook for a few seconds.There was an incredible roar. It woke up my entire family and the neighbours in the complex.”
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A resident also shared the “scary” event on Facebook, stating: Just felt the tremors of an earthquake off the coast of Almeria. Reports say 5.2 magnitude. It woke me up. Bed shaking and we are 100 kilometres from its centre. Scary,” the Mirror reported.
Another person explained how in Roquetas De Mar the shaking was “very noticeable,” lasting “a few seconds.”
They said: “In Roquetas De Mar it was very noticeable and it lasted a few seconds, the whole hotel room was shaking.”
Experts at VolcanoDiscovery suggested the strength of the earthquake could be traced back to the shallow depth of the quake, with the website explaining: “The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicentre than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would.”
Following the earthquake, residents have been braced to prepare for aftershocks, with a “scary” mobile alert sent to thousands of local people in Almeria and Granada.
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Aftershocks of between 1.9 and 3.4 magnitude have been felt since the initial quake, WalesOnline reported, with panic across the region ensuring.
It has also been alleged that further reports of new quakes could be delayed in the country.
Other areas of Spain have also been subjected to weather warnings, with the region facing severe storm and hail alerts, with cars submerged in certain places.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated weather warnings for 25 provinces, with eight orange cautions, LBC said.