A strong earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the southern coast of Spain this morning, with its epicenter off the city of Almeria and a depth of approximately 3 kilometers beneath the sea, according to the Spanish National Geographic Institute.
The tremor was felt by residents in hundreds of cities and villages across seven provinces, causing minor material damage without any reported injuries. Notable incidents included part of the ceiling collapsing in a café at Almeria Airport and damage to the roof of a car showroom in Huércal de Almeria.
Residents in areas such as Malaga, Granada, and Aguadulce reported strong vibrations that woke them from their sleep, with some describing the quake as the strongest in over 20 years in the region.
Authorities sent warnings to mobile phones alerting citizens of the possibility of aftershocks, along with safety advice such as wearing shoes indoors and checking for gas leaks.
Despite its strength, the earthquake did not result in any casualties, attributed to its offshore location away from populated areas.
