5.3 Earthquake in Lisbon Raises Fears and Calls for Seismic Preparedness

Early yesterday morning, a tremor of magnitude 5.3 on the Richter scale awakened many residents of Lisbon and its surroundings. The earthquake, which occurred at 6:11 AM off the Portuguese coast, about 80 kilometers away and at a depth of 19 kilometers, generated a wave of fear that led Lisboetas to leave their homes with backpacks in tow. Although no significant damage was reported, the experience was enough to remind the population of the seismic vulnerability of the region. The repercussions of the quake were not limited to Portugal. Autonomous communities in Galicia, in the northwest of Spain, also felt the tremor. From Vigo, several residents reported the swaying of lamps and slight movement of furniture. This event underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, especially in an area where seismic activity is not unknown. Carlos González, a geology expert, points out that Galicia has a history of seismic activity, although it is often underestimated. In the past, significant earthquakes have been recorded in the region, such as the 5.1 magnitude quake in 1997 in Lugo, along with others of lesser intensity in various locations. This highlights the need to implement earthquake-resistant building regulations to protect the population. The question of the cause of this seismic activity in Galicia is inevitable. Although it is not located on one of the planet's most active tectonic plates, the region is near the boundary between the Eurasian and African plates. This interaction generates tensions that sometimes translate into earthquakes. There are geological faults in Lugo and several areas of Portugal, which explains this seismic activity. One of the greatest fears that can arise from a quake of significant magnitude is the possibility of a tsunami. According to experts, an earthquake of 6.5 or greater is what typically could trigger a tsunami. In this context, González explains that alert systems have been established for earthquakes of lower magnitudes, aiming to prepare coastal communities for any eventuality. The Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which had an estimated magnitude of 8.5, serves as a reminder of what can happen in the region. This historical event not only devastated Lisbon but also generated tsunamis that affected the coasts of several countries, raising the question of whether a disaster of such magnitude could happen again. González warns that, while it cannot be predicted with certainty when the next major earthquake will occur, it is known that the energy accumulated in the Earth's crust could be released at any moment. Mathematical models suggest a recurrence of 800 to 1,500 years for events of this magnitude, but these are only estimates. The uncertainty surrounding earthquakes is a constant challenge for scientists and authorities. Despite advances in seismology, there is no effective system that can accurately predict when an earthquake will occur. The regions most affected by earthquakes tend to be located in the so-called "Ring of Fire," which extends from the Philippines and Japan to the west coast of North America and South America. In these places, earthquakes are a common phenomenon, with significant events occurring every five or six years. However, in Europe, and specifically on the Iberian Peninsula, seismic activity is less frequent, which can lead to complacency. Regarding earthquake-resistant building regulations, González notes that an update was expected for 2024, but this was not processed. The current regulations have been in effect for years, and while there have been efforts to improve them, an urgent review is needed to ensure the protection of buildings. Finally, experts recommend conducting drills and preparing emergency plans to handle emergency situations. In Japan, the culture of prevention is so ingrained that drills are held regularly. In Spain, the lack of awareness about this issue highlights the importance of being prepared. From having an emergency kit to knowing evacuation routes, preparedness can make the difference between life and death in the event of a natural disaster.