The location of the epicenter of the recent earthquakes. Credit: Spanish Geographic Institute
A new low-intensity earthquake was recorded off the Costa Blanca coastline in the early hours of Thursday December 18, marking the fifth seismic movement detected in the area in just four days.
Epicentre located offshore
According to data from Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN), the tremor reached a magnitude of 1.9 and occurred at 3.55am, with its epicentre located offshore between Javea and Calpe.
Series of movements earlier this week
The recent seismic activity began on Monday 15, when a first movement measuring 1.8 was registered. This was followed on Tuesday 16 by three further low-magnitude earthquakes: two measuring 1.8 at 3.32pm and 5.08pm, and another of 2.1 at 6.52pm.
Depth within normal parameters
The latest tremor was recorded at an approximate depth of five kilometres, remaining within normal parameters for this type of seismic activity in the area.
Thirteen earthquakes in recent days
With this latest episode, a total of 13 earthquakes have now been recorded on the Costa Blanca in recent days. Seven of these have been located along the coastal stretch between Javea and Calpe, an area with a well-documented history of minor seismic movements that are generally of low intensity and without consequences for the population.
A zone with frequent minor activity
This section of the Costa Blanca has experienced similar seismic episodes in the past, particularly offshore, where small earthquakes are periodically detected by monitoring stations. Most of these movements are so weak that they go unnoticed by residents and only appear in official records.
Patterns observed in recent years
In recent years, the IGN has reported occasional clusters of low-magnitude earthquakes in this same maritime area, often linked to natural tectonic adjustments beneath the Mediterranean seabed. Experts stress that such activity is common in eastern Spain and does not usually indicate a higher seismic risk.
Low probability of major earthquakes
Historical data also show that stronger earthquakes in this part of the Costa Blanca are rare. When they do occur, they tend to be moderate and short-lived, with authorities maintaining continuous monitoring to ensure early detection and public reassurance.