Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Off Almeria Coast: Impacts and Historical Context

According to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale, with some sources, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), reporting it as 5.2 to 5.4. The shallow depth—ranging from 2 km (IGN) to 10 km (USGS)—amplified the shaking, which was felt across Andalusia, including provinces like Granada, Málaga, Jaén, Murcia, Alicante, and Albacete, as well as parts of Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The quake reached an intensity of IV–V on the European Macroseismic Scale, described as “widely observed” to “strong,” indicating noticeable shaking indoors and potential for minor damage.

Residents reported a loud roar and brief but intense tremors lasting a few seconds. A tourist in Agua Amarga, Almeria, told El País, “I was sleeping, and the whole house shook for a few seconds. There was an incredible roar. It woke up my entire family and the neighbors in the complex.” In Huercal de Almeria, local Jose Manuel Navarro recorded a ceiling fixture swaying, noting he stood in a doorframe for safety as the shaking subsided. The quake was followed by at least 18 aftershocks by 9:55 AM, with magnitudes ranging from 1.6 to 3.4, all at deeper depths of 1–21 km, according to the Andalusian University Research Institute of Geophysics.

The most notable damage occurred at Almeria Airport, where part of the ceiling in the departures lounge café collapsed about an hour after the initial tremors. Fortunately, the café had been closed as a precaution, and no injuries were reported. The Spanish airport authority, AENA, confirmed that several ceiling tiles fell, creating a cloud of dust but causing no harm to workers present. The affected area was cordoned off, and airport operations continued with minimal disruption, though some flight delays and cancellations were reported across southern Spain, affecting airlines like Lufthansa and Ryanair.

Additional minor damage included a collapsed roof section at a Toyota showroom in Huercal de Almeria, about 10 minutes from the city center. No injuries were reported there either, and the area was secured for safety assessments. Authorities issued mobile alerts to residents in Almeria and Granada, advising them to check for gas leaks, avoid damaged buildings, and prepare for potential aftershocks. A brief tsunami warning was activated for the Spanish coast but was quickly deactivated, as the quake’s magnitude (below 6.5) and offshore location posed no significant tsunami risk.

The rapid response by emergency services and the absence of casualties reflect effective safety protocols. However, the event disrupted travel and local businesses, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Costa del Sol and Alicante, where the quake was felt. Authorities, including the IGN and AENA, emphasized ongoing structural checks and public communication to maintain safety and restore normalcy.

Historical Context: Earthquakes in Almeria Over the Past 50 Years

Almeria lies near the boundary between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, contributing to moderate seismic activity in southern Spain. Based on data from the past 55 years, Almeria experiences about 391 earthquakes per year, with an average of 0.15 quakes of magnitude 5 or higher annually (roughly one every 6.7 years). Larger quakes of magnitude 6 or higher are rarer, occurring approximately every 23–27 years. Below is an overview of significant earthquakes in or near Almeria since 1975, drawn from reliable sources like VolcanoDiscovery, USGS, and the IGN.

• 2016 (February 23): A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck 5.3 km west of Cieza, Murcia, about 100 km from Almeria. It caused minor damage but no fatalities.

• 2016 (January 25): A magnitude 6.3 quake hit 172 km southwest of Almeria in the Alboran Sea, at a depth of 12 km. It was felt widely but caused no significant damage due to its offshore location.

• 2011 (May 11): A magnitude 5.1 earthquake in Lorca, Murcia, approximately 120 km from Almeria, was one of the deadliest in recent Spanish history, killing nine people and injuring 300. Nearly 1,800 homes were damaged, highlighting the risks of shallow quakes near populated areas.

• 1994 (August 18): A magnitude 5.9 quake near Almeria, part of a broader seismic sequence, caused 159 casualties, though specific impacts in Almeria were limited.

• 1980 (October 10): A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in the Alboran Sea, about 300 km from Almeria, led to 3,500 casualties across the region, though Almeria itself was less affected.

The strongest earthquake in the region since 1900 was a magnitude 7.8 quake on March 29, 1954, centered 104 km west of Almeria in the Strait of Gibraltar at a depth of 626 km. Its deep hypocenter reduced surface damage, but it remains a benchmark for the region’s seismic potential. The 1522 Almeria earthquake, with an estimated magnitude of 6.8–7.0, was far more destructive, killing about 2,500 people and devastating the city, underscoring the historical risk of rare but catastrophic events.

Seismic Activity and Future Risks

Spain’s southern and eastern coasts, including Almeria, experience moderate seismic activity due to the slow convergence of the Eurasian and African plates at about 5 mm per year. Most quakes are minor, with magnitudes below 2, and go unnoticed. Over the past 55 years, Spain has averaged 8,900 quakes annually, with 0.85 quakes of magnitude 5 or higher per year. In Almeria specifically, quakes of magnitude 4 or higher occur about 1.5 times per year, while those above 5 are less frequent.

The July 14, 2025, quake’s shallow depth and offshore location mitigated its destructive potential, but it serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity. Experts note that frequent low-level tremors help release tectonic stress, reducing the likelihood of larger quakes. However, the possibility of a magnitude 6 or higher quake exists, with historical data suggesting one every 23–27 years in Almeria. The risk of a highly destructive quake, like the 1522 event, remains low but cannot be ruled out.

Geologist Javier Fernandez Fraile commented, “If it had been near a city and closer to the surface, it could have been far more destructive.” This highlights the importance of building codes and preparedness in mitigating risks. Modern structures in Spain are designed to withstand moderate quakes, and the lack of significant damage in 2025 reflects these standards. However, older buildings or poorly constructed structures could be vulnerable in a stronger event.

The magnitude 5.5 earthquake off Almeria’s coast on July 14, 2025, was a significant but manageable event, causing minor damage to Almeria Airport and a car showroom without loss of life. Its shallow depth and wide reach affected multiple provinces and neighboring countries, but swift safety measures prevented injuries. Historically, Almeria experiences moderate seismic activity, with significant quakes every few years and rare destructive events. While the region remains seismically active, the risk of catastrophic quakes is low, and preparedness can mitigate impacts. By staying informed and following safety protocols, residents and visitors can navigate this natural phenomenon with confidence.