3.4 Magnitude Earthquake Felt Between Tenerife and Gran Canaria

Residents in several parts of northern Tenerife experienced a mild earthquake on Saturday evening, as seismic activity continued to be a notable phenomenon between the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The tremor, which measured at a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale, was recorded at precisely 8:17 PM by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) at a depth of 29 kilometres beneath the sea.

Seismic Activity in the Region

The quake was felt in various municipalities, including La Orotava, La Laguna, and Los Realejos. This seismic event is part of an ongoing swarm that has been detected since Thursday off the coast of Fasnia, located in the south-eastern region of Tenerife. By Saturday morning, a total of 40 minor tremors had already been recorded, with an additional 12 quakes registered in the hours that followed.

The IGN has confirmed that these quakes are part of a volcanotectonic series. This means they are caused by the fracturing of rock rather than being linked to long-period events associated with the movement of underground fluids such as magma. Such distinctions are crucial for understanding the nature of seismic activity in the region.

Expert Insights and Monitoring

In light of the recent seismic activity, Itahiza Domínguez, the Director of the IGN in the Canary Islands, provided reassurance to the public. “It’s not a cause for concern,” he stated. “This event does not indicate a magmatic intrusion beneath Tenerife, but we will continue to monitor how it develops.” His comments reflect a commitment to public safety and transparency regarding geological events in the area.

The IGN plays a vital role in tracking seismic and volcanic activity across the Canary Islands, which is known to be one of Spain’s most active volcanic regions. Although small seismic swarms are relatively common, Saturday’s tremor was among the strongest felt in recent months. This serves as a reminder of the archipelago’s dynamic geological nature and the importance of ongoing monitoring.

Community Response and Preparedness

In the wake of the earthquake, local authorities have urged residents to remain calm and informed. Community leaders are emphasizing the importance of preparedness for seismic events, encouraging residents to have emergency plans in place. Educational initiatives are also being considered to ensure that the public understands how to respond during an earthquake, including the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, which can help minimize injuries during such events.

Residents have reported varying degrees of concern following the tremor, with some expressing anxiety over the potential for stronger earthquakes in the future. However, experts like Domínguez continue to emphasize that the current seismic activity does not pose an immediate threat to the safety of the islands’ inhabitants.

Key Points

• A 3.4 magnitude earthquake was recorded between Tenerife and Gran Canaria on Saturday evening.
• The tremor occurred at a depth of 29 kilometres beneath the sea.
• Municipalities such as La Orotava, La Laguna, and Los Realejos reported feeling the quake.
• The seismic activity is part of an ongoing swarm detected since Thursday off Fasnia.
• 40 minor tremors were recorded by Saturday morning, with an additional 12 in the following hours.
• The IGN confirmed the quakes are volcanotectonic and not linked to magma movement.
• Experts state there is no immediate cause for concern regarding magmatic intrusion.
• Local authorities are encouraging residents to remain calm and prepared for future seismic events.
• Educational initiatives are being considered to enhance community preparedness for earthquakes.