Earthquake of magnitude 5.3 surprises Galicia and other regions of Spain.

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake recorded south of Lisbon surprised residents in various autonomous communities in Spain, particularly in Galicia, where the seismic movement was clearly felt in some localities of the province of Pontevedra. The event occurred at 6:11:38 AM, according to reports from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), and although no significant damage was reported, the tremor captured the attention of thousands of people in different regions of the country. The impact of the earthquake was notable in Galicia, where it was felt in all four provinces. In particular, the towns in Pontevedra experienced the tremor at a level III on the IGN intensity scale, which measures up to a maximum of X. This level indicates that, although no structural damage occurred, residents experienced a slight swaying inside their homes and saw oscillations in hanging objects. Localities such as Oia, Lavadores (Vigo), Nigrán, and Tomiño were among the most affected by the seismic movement. In other parts of Galicia, the tremor was felt with less intensity, reaching a level II, which implies that only a few people were able to perceive the movement, generally under special conditions. In this context, the 112 emergency service in Galicia did not receive reports of emergencies related to the earthquake, suggesting that the population remained calm during the natural event. The autonomous communities closest to the coast also experienced the effects of the earthquake. In Andalusia, towns like Ayamonte and Cortegana in Huelva registered an intensity level IV, where many residents felt the tremor inside their homes, although few noticed it outside. Despite the discomfort that an earthquake may cause, experts have highlighted that the magnitude and depth of the event did not indicate an imminent danger to the population. Galician scientist Manuel Regueiro, former president of the Official College of Geologists of Spain, urged against falling into alarmism. He emphasized that there are alert mechanisms in place in case a tsunami occurs, such as the alert buoys installed along the Spanish coasts. This provides a degree of security against natural events that, while unpredictable, have established protocols to protect the population. Carlos González, a seismologist at the IGN, explained that the earthquake occurred in a geologically active area, filled with faults and with a tectonic complexity that makes the occurrence of earthquakes likely. While the phenomenon may be unsettling for some, it is considered a normal event in areas with these characteristics. González also mentioned the possibility of aftershocks, although given the depth of the earthquake, which was 19 kilometers, any small aftershock might go undetected. The history of earthquakes in the Iberian Peninsula is not recent, and yesterday's event echoed past disasters. Raúl Pérez López, a geologist at the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, recalled that the 1755 Lisbon earthquake was one of the most devastating, with estimated magnitudes that could have reached between 8.7 and 9. This historical disaster, which also triggered a tsunami, underscores the importance of preparation and knowledge regarding seismic risks in coastal areas. The fact that an earthquake of this magnitude is felt in localities so far from its epicenter highlights the geological connectivity of the peninsula. The ability to feel tremors in distant regions serves as a reminder of the dynamism of the Earth, where seismic activity can resonate far beyond its origin. Despite the initial unease that an event of this nature may generate, the response from the population and authorities has been appropriate, reflecting a level of preparedness and awareness that has been built over time. As we advance in our understanding of natural phenomena, it is vital for citizens to remain calm and follow the recommendations of experts. Prevention and education are essential to safely face the challenges posed by nature, and events like yesterday's are opportunities to reinforce the resilience of our communities.