Earthquakes measuring 2.1 and 2.8 on the Richter scale were felt on the island of Terceira

According to the Azores Center for Seismic Volcanic Information and Observation (CIVISA), two earthquakes measuring 2.8 and 2.1 on the Richter scale were felt this Thursday on the island of Terceira, the central group of the Azores archipelago.

The events were recorded at 15:22 local time (16:22 in Lisbon), with the first event of magnitude 2.1 (on the Richter scale) having an epicenter approximately four kilometers from Serreta, a parish in the municipality of Angra do. Heroism.

The second earthquake had a magnitude of 2.8 (on the Richter scale), and its epicenter was three kilometers from Serreta.

According to CIVISA, the earthquakes were felt at maximum intensity IV (Modified Mercalli Scale) in the parishes of Serreta, Dose Ribeiras, Santa Barbara and Raminho (municipality of Angra do Heroismo).

These events “are part of the ongoing seismovolcanic crisis on the island of Terceira since June 2022”, emphasizes CIVISA, which stresses that it will “continue to monitor the development of the situation.”

On Wednesday at 23:53 local time, another earthquake with a magnitude of 2.1 (on the Richter scale) and an epicenter about 2 kilometers from Dose Ribeiras, Angra do Heroismo was already recorded on the island.

On the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by magnitude into micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), weak (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0- 8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme (when above 10).

The Modified Mercalli Scale measures “degree of intensity and corresponding description.”

At intensity II, which is considered very weak, the shock is felt by people resting on the upper floors of buildings.