More earthquakes off the coast
Epicentres have been concentrated in a relatively small area
THREE earthquakes have occurred off the south coast of Alicante province in the space of eight days.
Each of the tremors has been felt by residents in the area, but they have gradually been decreasing in intensity.
The most recent of these was on Monday night at 23.32, measuring 1.6 on the Richter scale.
According to information from the national geographic institute (IGN), the epicentre was more than 15km off the coast of Guardamar del Segura and La Mata at a depth of 7km.
This follows larger tremors in the same area, which were felt by residents as far away as Dénia and Cartagena.
The earthquake on March 28 measured 3.1 on the Richter scale and the one on March 24 was downgraded to 3.8 by the IGN after initially being recorded at 4.0.
The emergency services have not reported any damage in the area from the seismic activity.
However, dozens of calls have been made on the 112 hotline from residents who have been worried by the tremors.
Rubén Torregrosa, from the Torrevieja weather association Proyecto Mastral, reminded that earthquakes are common in this area and people should not be unduly alarmed by the activity.
Proof of this came on Monday when another tremor was recorded early in the morning between Albatera and Catral which measured 2.0 on the Richter scale.
Commenting on the Proyecto Mastral Facebook page, local resident Jose Garcia Fernández Mejor noted: “I am glad the tension in the earth is being released little by little and not in one big strike.
“I find that reassuring.”