The quiet of the night in central Álava was suddenly shattered by a noticeable tremor. At 12:10 a.m. local time, residents of Iruña de Oca and nearby areas were awakened by vibrating walls and rattling windows. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 4, which is considered quite significant for the region. Many people, frightened, rushed out into the streets, unsure of what was happening.
The seismic activity affected not only Álava, but also reached neighboring regions. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, as well as in towns across Burgos and La Rioja, the tremors were felt. Reports poured in from dozens of cities, with people sharing their experiences on social media and discussing the event with neighbors.
Public response
Residents’ panic was evident: many left their homes, fearing aftershocks. Some said they woke to dishes clattering and furniture vibrating. For several minutes, a tense atmosphere reigned in the streets until it became clear the danger had passed. Nevertheless, despite the scare, there were no serious consequences for people or infrastructure.
Authorities responded quickly by dispatching patrols to inspect buildings and infrastructure. Preliminary reports indicated no damage or casualties. Emergency services continued to monitor the situation to ensure there was no hidden damage.
Expert assessment
Seismologists note that such earthquakes are rare for Álava, although the region is not considered entirely geologically safe. A magnitude 4 tremor does not pose a serious threat to modern buildings, but it may cause concern among residents unaccustomed to such events.
Experts emphasize that the likelihood of aftershocks is extremely low. Nevertheless, emergency services remain on high alert to respond quickly to any potential complications. Residents are advised to stay calm and follow official updates.
Authorities’ response
The Basque Country (Euskadi) government has confirmed that the situation is under control. Throughout the night, municipal representatives maintained contact with residents, keeping them informed about the current situation. Officials assured that there is no danger to people’s lives or health and that infrastructure is operating as normal.
In the coming days, experts will continue to monitor seismic activity in the region. Special attention is being paid to social infrastructure facilities to eliminate even minimal risks for the public. Authorities urged citizens to remain calm and trust only official information.
In case you didn’t know, Iruña de Oca is a small municipality in the province of Álava, part of the Basque Country. The area is known for its peaceful way of life and picturesque landscapes. Earthquakes are extremely rare here, which made this event especially noticeable to local residents. Vitoria-Gasteiz is the administrative center of Álava and the capital of the autonomous community, where most of the region’s population lives.
