Seismic activity remains high
Earthquake shake Portugal’s south coast in the early morning
Updated on March 24, 2025 – 2:56 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
An earthquake of the strength 4.3 shook the south coast of Portugal on Monday morning – and was not the only one.
A quake of the thickness of 4.3 shook the south coast of Portugal early Monday morning. At 6.18 a.m., the National Geographical Institute (IGN) registered the earthquake, the epicenter of which was in the Gulf of Cadiz. The earth trembled at a depth of just eight kilometers – and was clearly perceived in the region.
Shortly before the main quake, at 5.49 a.m., the IGN had measured a first easier quake of the strength. Another woven with strength 1.9 followed at 7.05 a.m. Both shocks were also in the Gulf of Cadiz off the south coast of Portugal. There are no reports on damage so far, but the quake once again illustrates the high seismic activity in this region.
The European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) also recorded the same measured values.
At the beginning of March, the Spanish government passed a new national surveillance plan for natural hazards. The four -year plan (2025–2028) is intended to significantly improve the reaction ability in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and space weather events.
The “national plan for monitoring seismic, volcanological and other geophysical phenomena” was developed by the IGN with the participation of 54 institutions from science, technology and administration.
The project is coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. The aim of the plan is to strengthen national security and to make risks more manageable through early detection. The focus is on efficient communication, technical modernization and close cooperation between authorities.
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The plan was also developed in response to past crises, especially the outbreak of the volcano to La Palma in 2021. The surveillance and warning systems used there are considered exemplary and enable quick and effective crisis management. These standards are now to be transferred to the entire territory.
The recent earthquakes in the Gulf of Cadiz show how important this strategic orientation is. Even if there were no major damage, the risk remains – and the preparation is decisive.
