The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has recorded 14 low-magnitude earthquakes in the Vilaflor area of Tenerife over 24 hours between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
The had magnitudes ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 on the Richter scale at depths between 3 and 13 kilometres.
The director of the IGN in the Canary Islands, Itahiza Domínguez, has reassured residents, stating that while this seismic activity is "striking," it is "not worrying." None of the earthquakes were felt by the population due to their low magnitudes.
Vilaflor has experienced similar seismic events in the past. In 2017, two significant seismic swarms were recorded in the area. In June of that year, more than 12 low-magnitude earthquakes were detected near the western edge of the interior of Las Cañadas del Teide. Later, in October, a sequence of 22 tremors was registered, the largest reaching a magnitude of 2.0 mbLg.
Since then, isolated seismic events have been recorded in the area sporadically. Domínguez noted that the current series of earthquakes have been reported publicly because they are unusual, but does not indicate any immediate cause for alarm. "Events of greater magnitude and more continuous duration would be worrying," he explained.
Although the IGN is not actively monitoring the area for further seismic activity, Domínguez emphasized that the current events are part of a pattern of low-level seismic activity typical of the region. The proximity to Las Cañadas del Teide, an area known for its geological significance, makes occasional seismic activity unsurprising.
The IGN continues to maintain vigilance across the Canary Islands to detect and analyze seismic activity. Residents have been encouraged to stay informed but assured that the recent tremors pose no immediate threat.
