{
  "id": 1024827,
  "title": "Spain’s earthquake risk explained: Why southern Spain is one of Europe’s seismic hotspots",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/spains-earthquake-risk-explained-why-southern-spain-is-one-of-europes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T11:25:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/08/15/spains-earthquake-risk-explained-why-southern-spain-is-one-of-europes-seismic-hotspots/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Southern Spain is one of Europe's seismic hotspots due to its location at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. This slow-motion collision, occurring at roughly 4 to 5 millimeters per year, generates pressure distributed through a network of faults and fractured rock. Spain's Civil Protection authorities report that between 1,200 and 1,400 earthquakes are recorded annually on the Iberian Peninsula, most of which are too small for people to notice. However, Andalucia, Murcia, and the Valencian region are areas of heightened seismic hazard.\n\nSeismic activity is not uncommon in southern Spain, with the province of Granada having a history of earthquakes, such as the devastating 1884 event and smaller sequences in recent years. Almeria, facing the Alboran Sea, is another region with active faults and a notable earthquake swarm earlier this year. Even Malaga residents remember a 4.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Fuengirola in December 2025.\n\nMagnitude is only one factor in assessing earthquake risk. A smaller, shallower quake can feel stronger than a larger, deeper one. Ground conditions also play a role, as soft sedimentary ground may cause more shaking in buildings. Civil Protection advises staying indoors, protecting oneself with sturdy furniture, and avoiding windows and heavy objects. Drivers should pull over safely and avoid using lifts after an earthquake. Property owners should consider whether their homes meet seismic standards and check their insurance coverage for natural disasters.",
  "summary": "Southern and eastern regions of Spain are considered to be at high risk of earthquakes. This is due to a slow-moving collision happening beneath the country. For those who have moved to Spain from northern Europe, this can be a concerning issue.\n\nA 5.0-magnitude earthquake recently struck near Granada, causing damage to buildings and prompting over 200 calls to emergency services across the region, according to the Free Malaysia Today. The epicentre of the quake was in the town of Alhendin, 10km south of Granada.\n\nDamage was reported in some buildings, with cracks appearing and elements such as ledges, rubble, and walls falling. Authorities urged people to be cautious and avoid areas that could collapse.",
  "key_points": [
    "Southern Spain sits at African and Eurasian tectonic plates' convergence.",
    "Iberian Peninsula records 1,200 to 1,400 earthquakes annually.",
    "Andalucia, Murcia, and Valencian regions face heightened seismic hazard."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}