An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale struck in the early hours of Monday morning near Lisbon, Portugal. The shocks were felt most intensely in the Sines, Lisbon, and Setúbal areas, with reports on social media indicating that the earthquake was felt as far away as Porto, Spain, and Morocco. The Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) later revised the earthquake’s magnitude to 5.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake occurred at 5:11 am local time, with its epicenter located 58 kilometers west of Sines on the high seas, at a depth of 21 kilometers.
Following the earthquake, a significant number of calls were received by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) from concerned individuals seeking information and guidance. Commander José Miranda from ANEPC stated that they had not yet been able to tally the total number of calls received. However, there were no reports of casualties or major damage at that time. The only known incident was in Sesimbra, where potential cracks in buildings were being evaluated. The Portuguese government issued a statement reassuring the public that they were working closely with relevant services and that there were no reports of personal or material harm. They urged the population to remain calm and comply with the recommendations of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located 7.7 kilometers southeast of Lisbon and 74 kilometers southwest of Setúbal. Various agencies, including the US Geophysical Institute (USGS) and the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, provided information on the earthquake’s magnitude and impact. While the earthquake’s effects were most strongly felt in specific regions, the tremors were also reported in more distant locations such as Porto, Spain, and Morocco. The Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute later adjusted the earthquake’s magnitude to 5.3 on the Richter scale, providing more accurate data on the seismic event that had occurred.
The Portuguese government emphasized its close coordination with relevant services to monitor and respond to the earthquake. They aimed to provide timely information and guidance to the public to ensure their safety and well-being. The absence of significant casualties or damage was a relief, with only minor incidents reported in certain areas. The government’s statement underscored the importance of remaining calm and following the recommendations of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority in the aftermath of the earthquake. By prioritizing public safety and effective communication, they sought to address any concerns and maintain stability in the affected regions.
Overall, the earthquake near Lisbon, Portugal, with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale, raised concerns and prompted responses from various emergency services and government agencies. Despite initial fears and reports of the earthquake being felt in multiple locations, the situation was swiftly managed, with no major casualties or damage reported. The government’s reassuring statements and collaborative efforts with relevant services served to alleviate public anxiety and ensure a coordinated response to the seismic event. Through effective communication and coordinated actions, the authorities were able to address the situation and provide assistance to those in need, demonstrating preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
