- A weak earthquake of magnitude 2.1 occurred on August 22, 2025, near Elche in the Alicante province, Valencia region, Spain.
- The quake had a shallow depth of approximately 4.2 km and struck at 21:23 local time (GMT+2).
- Minor tremors were felt primarily in nearby towns such as Torrevieja (13 km west) and Rojales (20 km northwest), with very weak intensity reported.
- No damage or injuries reported; the event aligns with moderate regional seismic activity historically recorded.
- seismic monitoring agencies including the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) confirmed the quake with quality data from 24 seismic stations.
- Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to help scientists better understand earthquake impacts in the area.
Minor Earthquake Shakes Near Elche, Alicante on August 22, 2025
On the evening of August 22, 2025, a minor earthquake with a magnitude of 2.1 rattled the area near Elche in the Alicante province, part of the Valencia region in southeastern Spain.Originating from a shallow depth of just 4.2 kilometers,the tremor was recorded at 21:23 local time (GMT+2),causing very weak shaking that was felt by residents in some nearby towns but went unnoticed in larger cities.
Earthquake Details & Location
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & time (UTC) | August 22, 2025, 19:23:18 |
| local time (Valencia, GMT+2) | 21:23 |
| magnitude | 2.1 (Confirmed) |
| Depth | 4.2 km |
| Epicenter Coordinates | 38.0012° N, 0.5314° W (Near Elche, Alicante) |
| Seismic Intensity | Very Weak (Mercalli Intensity II) |
| Primary Data Source | European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) |
Where Was the Earthquake Felt?
The seismic event was too weak to be felt in major cities like Madrid (383 km away) or Valencia (164 km away). However,tremors were registered by residents in several smaller nearby towns:
- Torrevieja (13 km west): Experienced light shaking with intensity level IV – described as rattling and vibrating for 5-10 seconds.
- Rojales (20 km northwest): Reported weak tremors of intensity III.
- Guardamar del segura (15 km northwest): Very weak shaking (intensity II), with some reports of sideways swinging sensations.
| Town/City | Distance from epicenter | Reported Intensity (MMI) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torrevieja | 13.4 km West | IV (Light shaking) | Alicante, Valencia |
| Rojales | 20 km Northwest | III (Weak shaking) | Alicante, Valencia |
| Guardamar del Segura | 15 km Northwest | II (Very weak shaking) | alicante, valencia |
| elche | 33 km Northwest | I (Not felt) | alicante, Valencia |
Seismic Context and Past Activity
The region around elche and Alicante experiences moderate seismic activity, averaging about 238 earthquakes per year of varying intensities within a 100 km radius. Earthquakes of magnitude 2 or more occur roughly five times a month, while more significant quakes of magnitude 5 or higher are rare, occurring once every 15 to 20 years on average.
Recent history includes a somewhat stronger earthquake of magnitude 3.6 about three weeks prior, on August 4, 2025, located 52 km east of this event. The largest earthquake recorded in the broader area dates back over 70 years ago, with a magnitude of 7.8 in Andalucia (1954), highlighting the seismic potential though such large events remain infrequent.
Understanding Earthquake Intensity: The Mercalli Scale
The shaking intensity of the earthquake is commonly measured on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which ranks tremors from I (not felt) to X (extreme shaking). The August 22 quake registered a very weak intensity of II in the closest communities, indicating that it was felt only slightly indoors with minimal disturbance.
What Should Residents Do?
Residents in the affected areas, especially near the epicenter, are encouraged to report their experiences of the tremor on seismic monitoring platforms and applications. This citizen feedback helps scientists pinpoint impact zones and improve earthquake hazard maps.
- Download earthquake alert apps such as VolcanoDiscovery Earthquake alerts for timely updates.
- Stay informed about local emergency procedures even for minor quakes.
- if you felt the quake,share your experience online to aid scientific data collection.
Summary Table: Nearby Towns and Reported Earthquake Shake Levels
| Location | Distance (km) | Intensity (MMI) | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torrevieja | 13.4 | IV – Light shaking | 101,800 |
| Rojales | 20 | III - Weak shaking | 20,500 |
| Guardamar del Segura | 15 | II – Very weak shaking | 16,300 |
| Elche | 33 | I – Not felt | 230,100 |
Conclusion
While the August 22, 2025, earthquake near Elche was a minor event with no reported damage, it serves as a reminder that the Valencia region experiences regular low-level seismic activity. Monitoring such earthquakes helps local authorities and scientists track regional seismicity and prepare for potential future events. Residents should remain aware, report their observations, and continue using available tools to stay informed.