A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shakes the Atlantic and is felt in Spain and Lisbon.

In the early hours of this Monday, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook the Atlantic Ocean, just 19 kilometers from Lisbon, raising concerns in various regions of southwestern Europe. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) of Spain confirmed the seismic event, which occurred at 6:11 AM, local time. Although the epicenter was located in international waters, the strength of the tremor was sufficient for it to be felt in different localities in Spain, including areas of Huelva and Extremadura. Local authorities have begun to assess the possible damage that the earthquake may have caused. In Huelva, several citizens reported feeling movement in buildings, while in Extremadura, particularly in the provinces of Badajoz and Cáceres, multiple calls have been received by emergency services alerting them to the situation. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, although authorities continue to urge the population to remain vigilant. The phenomenon has been felt over a wide geographical range, not only in Spain but also in the Gibraltar area and, interestingly, in some areas of northern Morocco. This last aspect has caught the attention of seismologists, who have pointed out that earthquakes in the Atlantic can have repercussions on the coasts of Africa and Europe, given the tectonic nature of the region. Experts from the IGN have emphasized that while an earthquake of this magnitude can be unsettling, it is relatively common in areas close to tectonic faults. In the case of Lisbon, the city has historically been vulnerable to earthquakes, with the most devastating one occurring in 1755, which left thousands dead and caused significant destruction. However, modern infrastructure is better prepared to withstand these phenomena. Authorities in Portugal have begun conducting inspections of buildings and other infrastructures to ensure the safety of citizens. In Lisbon, although the scare was considerable, no significant damage has been reported, and public services have responded quickly to assess the situation in more affected areas. Calm seems to have returned to the Portuguese capital, but tension persists in nearby communities. In Spain, the response from emergency services has been swift and effective. Emergency call centers have experienced an increase in calls, although most reports have been about the fear and anxiety caused by the tremor. Experts continue to monitor the situation and have recommended that the population stay informed through official sources. Meetings have been convened among various civil protection agencies to discuss preventive measures that could be implemented in the event of future earthquakes. In this regard, the importance of having emergency plans and action protocols to minimize the impact of such natural events on the population has been emphasized. The earthquake has once again brought to the forefront the issue of disaster preparedness in Europe. With climate change causing greater instability in geological and climatic patterns, experts suggest that it is essential for both authorities and the public to be prepared to face not only earthquakes but also other natural phenomena that could affect the region. The scientific community will closely monitor any aftershocks that may occur in the coming days, as it is common for secondary movements to be generated following an earthquake of significant magnitude. The population has been advised to stay informed and follow the recommendations of local authorities. As more data on the earthquake and its effects is collected, the IGN is expected to publish further information regarding the magnitude and impact of the tremor. Meanwhile, the citizens of Huelva, Extremadura, and Lisbon are recovering from the scare, reminded of the fragility of the ground beneath their feet and the importance of disaster preparedness.