On the night of December 29, residents of El Hierro island felt mild tremors. An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 occurred offshore near Valverde, the island’s administrative center. The epicenter was just 11 kilometers from the town, with the quake originating several kilometers beneath the seabed.
The seismic event took place during a period of relative calm for the area. In recent weeks, there had been no significant tremors in the region; however, this marks the third incident of seismic activity in the past month. This time, the tremors were mainly felt in the towns of Frontera and El Pinar, where some residents woke up to light shaking of furniture and rattling window panes.
Preliminary reports indicate the earthquake caused no damage or injuries. Local authorities did not receive any notifications of building or infrastructure damage. Nonetheless, residents who felt the tremors can fill out a special questionnaire to help experts determine the intensity and spread of the seismic waves.
Local response
In Frontera and El Pinar, many noted that the tremors were barely noticeable. Some reported waking up to an unusual noise or slight movement of their beds, but most people paid little attention. Social media posts reflected brief concern, but there was no panic.
Authorities reminded residents of earthquake safety rules and urged them to remain calm. Additional inspections in local schools and institutions found no damage. Daily life on the island continued as normal, with transport and public utilities operating without disruptions.
Seismic Situation
Experts note that the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are located in a zone of moderate seismic activity. Most earthquakes here do not exceed magnitude 4 on the Richter scale and rarely lead to serious consequences. For comparison, the strongest earthquake ever recorded globally reached 9.5, while such magnitudes have never been registered in the Canaries.
The monitoring system enables rapid detection of seismic tremor parameters and keeps the public informed. Island residents can report their experiences through special online surveys, which helps refine seismic activity maps and ensures timely responses to potential risks.
Recent Seismic Events
Over the past month, several seismic incidents have already been recorded near Valverde. The most significant until today occurred on October 8 with a magnitude of 2.9. At that time, the tremors were also felt in some communities, but did not cause concern among local residents.
Seismologists emphasize that such events are not uncommon for the region. They remind people to stay alert but not to panic. Regular drills and public awareness help minimize the potential impact even in the case of stronger tremors.
Previously, we reported on a similar incident in the province of Guadalajara, where a 3.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the morning. The epicenter was near Yebra, and residents of nearby villages also felt mild tremors. You can read more about this event in our article at this link.
