A strong earthquake measuring 4.8 magnitude on the Richter scale has been recorded and felt across Gran Canaria this morning, with tremors also reported in Tenerife and Fuerteventura.

The earthquake struck at 9:50am in waters north of Gran Canaria, according to reports from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), which confirmed the epicentre was located around 59 kilometres off the coast of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria at a depth of 30 kilometres.

The tremor was widely noticed across the island, with residents reporting shaking buildings, moving furniture and loud rumbling noises lasting several seconds in some areas.

Scientists rule out connection to Tenerife volcanic activity

Following concern among residents due to recent seismic activity in Tenerife, the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute (INVOLCAN) moved quickly to reassure the public that today’s earthquake is not linked to volcanic unrest on Tenerife.

The Canary Seismic Network confirmed the event separately, also recording it at a preliminary magnitude of 4.8.

Areas where the earthquake was felt most strongly

The IGN’s macroseismic intensity map showed the strongest effects reached Level III on the European Macroseismic Scale, meaning the shaking was clearly felt indoors.

The areas in Gran Canaria reporting the highest intensity included:

• Becerril, in Santa María de Guía
• Carrizal, in Ingenio
• Gáldar, including Los Quintanas and Piso Firme
• Puerto de las Nieves in Agaete
• Tenteniguada in Valsequillo

Lower intensity tremors were also reported in Agüimes, Valleseco, Almatriche in Las Palmas, Vega de San Mateo and Temisas.

Tremors also felt in Tenerife and Fuerteventura

Residents in Betancuria, Fuerteventura, said they heard a loud noise accompanying the tremor before feeling the ground shake.

In Tenerife, reports came from areas including Puerto de la Cruz and Güímar, where residents also noticed the movement.

Witnesses in Agaete, Mogán and La Aldea de San Nicolás described visible movement inside homes and buildings that lasted for several seconds.

At present, there have been no reports of injuries or damage linked to the earthquake.