A 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck Tabernas, Spain, early on December 16, being felt widely across several provinces but with no reported damage or injuries.
On December 16, 2023, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) with its epicenter in the municipality of Tabernas, located in the province of Almería, Spain. The earthquake occurred at 12:55 AM, registering a shallow depth and resulting in notable tremors felt in multiple provinces, including Granada, Jaén, and Murcia. Reports indicate that the earthquake was felt with varying intensity across these regions, prompting residents to react with caution despite the absence of immediate damage or injuries.
The IGN has communicated that the seismic activity in Tabernas led to the occurrence of 14 aftershocks, with the strongest recorded at magnitude 2.6 occurring at 5:38 AM. Local communities experienced the earthquake differently, with areas like Tabernas, Bacares, Serón, and Gádor reporting higher intensity levels compared to others such as Alhabia and Tíjola. This difference in intensity reflects the geological characteristics of the region, wherein some areas are more susceptible to tremors than others.
The event highlights the ongoing seismic activity in Spain, particularly in regions situated along certain fault lines. Although this earthquake did not cause personal or material damage, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with living in seismically active areas, necessitating preparedness and awareness among residents in the impacted provinces.
