Four earthquakes over magnitude 2.0 recorded off El Hierro’s coast
The island of El Hierro has registered four minor earthquakes measuring over magnitude 2.0 on the Richter scale in the early hours of yesterday morning, Wednesday, though none were felt by the public, according to data from the National Geographic Institute (IGN).
The first tremor was detected at 1:19am off the island’s west coast, near the municipality of La Frontera, at a depth of 31 kilometres, and registered a magnitude of 2.2 mbLg.
Roughly an hour later, at 2:16am, a second quake occurred in the same area, this time deeper, at 35 kilometres, with a magnitude of 2.0 on the Richter scale.
Two further quakes were recorded in the same offshore zone. The third, at 7:35am, again at 35 kilometres depth, registered 2.5 mbLg, followed just ten minutes later by a 2.6 tremor at 32 kilometres depth.
While none of the quakes have been noticeable at surface level, the activity forms part of a pattern of seismic movement that scientists continue to monitor. According to the IGN, 34 earthquakes have been recorded in this area over the past 90 days, the strongest being on 19th May, measuring 3.2 mbLg at 37 kilometres depth, also unnoticed by the public.
Although these types of low-magnitude tremors are relatively common in the Canary Islands, particularly around El Hierro due to its volcanic nature, authorities continue to closely monitor any seismic activity to ensure public safety. For now, there is no cause for concern, and the island remains safe for both residents and tourists.
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