A magnitude 3.2 earthquake was recorded off the coast of Fuerteventura early this morning (Friday) and was strong enough to be felt by people on the island.

The National Geographic Institute (IGN) have reported that they recorded the earthquake at 5:06am Canary Islands time, with its epicentre located in the Atlantic to the south-west of Pájara.

Shallow earthquake felt by residents

According to the IGN's revised data, the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately five kilometres.

It reached a maximum intensity of III, meaning it was weak but noticeable to some people, particularly those indoors.

The IGN initially calculated the earthquake at magnitude 3.0 and a depth of four kilometres before subsequently revising the measurements to magnitude 3.2 and five kilometres deep as additional seismic data were analysed.

No injuries or damage have been reported.

Separate from previous Fuerteventura earthquake

Today's earthquake is a separate seismic event from the magnitude 3.0 earthquake recorded north-west of Fuerteventura in September.

Small earthquakes are regularly detected in and around the Canary Islands, and the majority are too weak to be noticed by residents.

However, today's event was sufficiently strong and shallow for the IGN to classify it as having been felt by the population.

The institute continues to collect reports from people who experienced the earthquake through its online seismic questionnaire.