In brief
A shallow 4.8‑magnitude earthquake rattled the ancient city of Granada on Tuesday, injuring three locals and damaging numerous structures, including museums and the iconic Alhambra. The tremor, recorded at a depth of under 10 km, prompted widespread panic as residents fled their homes and traffic was disrupted. Spanish authorities, echoing the National Geographic Institute’s warning, have declared a safety protocol, slowing metro trains to 30 km/h and closing tourist attractions. While the quake’s immediate impact is contained, experts advise vigilance for potential aftershocks in the already seismically active region.
At least three people have been lightly injured, and a number of historic buildings suffered damage after a 4.8‑magnitude earthquake struck southern Spain on Tuesday morning.
The epicentre, about 10 km south of the historic city of Granada, was recorded by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) at a depth of under 10 km. Residents were seen rushing to the streets in fear of aftershocks, while vehicles damaged by falling debris were found abandoned across the city.
Local sources reported that the quake felt stronger than the routine tremors normally experienced in the region. “Everything came crashing down. It was terrifying,” recalled Cristina Ruiz‑Lopez, a lab worker who was at a supermarket during the event.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Alhambra, a key tourist attraction, remained closed that afternoon as safety checks were carried out. The Granada metro network reduced train speeds to 30 km/h (19 mph) for safety, warning commuters that delays were possible.
This event follows a series of shallow tremors that began last Friday, which were widely felt across the region.
