Epicentre off the coast of Níjar, felt across seven provinces

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck early on Monday, July 14, off the coast of Almería, with the epicentre located in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 32 kilometres from Níjar. According to the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), the tremor occurred at 07:13 and originated just two kilometres beneath the seabed, making it shallow and more widely felt on land.

The quake was felt across a vast area of southern and eastern Spain, with tremors reported in over 500 municipalities. These included parts of Almería, Granada, Jaén, and Málaga in Andalucía, as well as Murcia, Alicante, and Albacete. The autonomous city of Melilla also reported movement.

Emergency Services Respond to Public Concern

No injuries or material damage have been reported so far, but the shaking caused concern among residents. Emergency service 112 Andalucía received over 30 calls from people asking whether an earthquake had occurred and seeking guidance.

The IGN confirmed that the earthquake was felt at intensity IV-V in 17 municipalities in Almería including Almería city, Níjar, Huércal-Overa, Roquetas de Mar, and El Ejido. A further 73 towns across Almería, Murcia, and Granada experienced lower intensities of around III-IV.

Android phones issue automatic quake alert

Many Android users in the affected areas received earthquake alerts via Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System. The feature is designed to send real-time warnings to users expected to feel significant shaking, typically during quakes of magnitude 4.5 or higher. Users reported getting notifications seconds before the tremor reached their location.

What to do during an earthquake

Although Spain does not experience high-magnitude earthquakes very often, residents are encouraged to be prepared. If you feel the ground shaking:

• Stay indoors if you’re already inside. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects that could fall.
• If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, and power lines.
• Avoid using lifts and do not rush out of buildings without checking for hazards.

Authorities continue to monitor the area, and while no aftershocks have been confirmed, residents are advised to remain cautious as there is still plenty of seismic activity on the IGN website.

Update: 11:41 AM

Some damage is now being reported around Almeria. The Toyota dealership in Huércal de Almería reportedly experienced a roof collapse, and part of the false ceiling collapsed at Almeria Airport. So far, no injuries have been reported, and the local authorities have confirmed that building inspections will take place throughout the day.