Magnitude 5.2 earthquake shakes southern Spain, causing damage in Granada

A moderate magnitude 5.2 earthquake jolted southern Spain early Saturday, causing damage and widespread alarm in the Granada province. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter was located one kilometer southwest of Otura, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Residents in Granada experienced the tremor's effects firsthand, with social media videos showing cars damaged by falling masonry from homes and street signs swaying. The Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that the quake caused landslides, falling facade elements, and roof damage in various parts of the Granada metropolitan area, notably in Armilla.

The National Geographic Institute (IGN) described the earthquake as significant for its intensity, noting it could have been felt in nearby towns like Las Gabias and Churriana de la Vega, though substantial material damage was unlikely. Its effects may have also reached neighboring regions such as Málaga, Motril, and Almuñécar.

Thousands of residents in Granada, awakened by the quake, rushed into the streets fearing aftershocks, according to local media. This event marks the fifth earthquake recorded in the Granada province within the last 24 hours, reinforcing its status as an area with high seismic risk and keeping its population on constant alert. A magnitude 3.7 earthquake had also been felt widely in the Granada capital and its metropolitan area on Friday afternoon.