A series of consecutive earthquakes in the city of Granada, located in southern Spain, has caused significant concern among residents and authorities.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing data from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), several earthquakes were recorded in the region on Tuesday, each with a magnitude exceeding 4.0.
Antonio Sanz, an emergency official for the Andalusia region, stated that at least three people sustained minor injuries, with one child reportedly hospitalized. The region has been on high alert since a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck on Saturday. While initial inspections revealed no major structural damage to historical buildings, security measures have been intensified due to the ongoing seismic activity.
Access to parts of the Alhambra Palace, a significant example of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been temporarily restricted for tourists. According to the Granada provincial administration, the operations of administrative buildings, museums, and sports facilities have also been suspended, though primary medical care centers remain operational.
Transportation systems have also implemented safety protocols, with subway trains in the city reducing their speed to 30 kilometers per hour. In some hotels, evacuations were carried out as a precautionary measure. One of the earthquake epicenters was identified near the town of Gojar, approximately 10 kilometers south of Granada's city center.
The 4.7 magnitude earthquake recorded at 10:37 a.m. was felt strongly in surrounding settlements due to its shallow depth. Following the main tremor, two additional earthquakes were recorded in the region in short succession. Officials continue to monitor the situation, maintaining safety protocols in anticipation of potential aftershocks.
Granada is located in a seismically active zone of the Iberian Peninsula. The Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on Roman remains, stands as one of Spain's most visited tourist attractions, making the preservation of its structural integrity a priority for regional authorities during seismic events.
