Granada earthquake injures three, forces Alhambra closure

A moderate earthquake rattled the southern Spanish city of Granada on Tuesday, injuring three people and prompting the precautionary closure of the historic Alhambra. The magnitude 4.8 tremor struck at 08:38 GMT with its epicenter near Alhendín, south of Granada.

The earthquake was the strongest in a series of seismic movements that shook the region Tuesday morning, causing residents to evacuate buildings and rush into the streets. Videos circulating on social media showed debris scattered on streets and some damage to vehicles.

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We are in review after the seismic activity.

The Alhambra, a popular tourist destination, was evacuated. Its management announced on X that the site would remain closed for the afternoon for safety checks. "We are in review after the seismic activity," the statement read.

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We have identified some very localized situations of non-structural elements.

Andalusia's regional government official for emergencies, Antonio Sanz, stated that visual inspections revealed no significant structural damage. "We have identified some very localized situations of non-structural elements," he said, specifying decorative plasterwork. Three people sustained minor injuries, including a child taken to the hospital. Emergency services reported receiving over 500 calls about cracks, falling debris, and other incidents, with a dozen requests for medical assistance, mainly for anxiety attacks.

Granada's City Council ordered all municipal buildings closed as a precaution, except for essential services. Mayor Marifrán Carazo urged residents to stay home and avoid going near buildings, especially if further tremors occurred. The city had previously been shaken by a 5.0 magnitude earthquake early Saturday morning.

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stay home and avoid, above all, if there is any repetition, any tremor, going out and positioning yourself in line with the buildings.