The earthquake that struck Portugal this morning had a maximum intensity of IV/V on the Mercalli scale, or moderate to strong, and has already had four aftershocks, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere.
“To date, four small-magnitude aftershocks have been recorded, none of which were felt by the population,” IPMA said in a statement, adding that an earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale was recorded at 05:11 by stations on the continental seismic network, with an epicentre about 60 km west of Sines.
“This earthquake, according to the information available to date, did not cause any personal or material damage and was felt with a maximum intensity of IV/V (modified Mercalli scale) in the Sines region, with lesser intensity in the Setubal and Lisbon regions,” IPMA reports.
An earthquake of magnitude IV, considered moderate, has a “vibration similar to that produced by the passage of heavy vehicles or the sensation of a heavy ball hitting walls,” and has also been known to “shake parked cars,” windows, doors, and dishes, according to IPMA.
“Glasses and dishes rattle or clank. At the top of this level, the walls and wooden structures creak,” IPMA adds.
At V intensity, which is considered severe, the effects can be felt outside the home. If it happens at night, it can wake people up, “fluids are disturbed and some of them leak out,” explains IPMA.
“Small objects in unstable equilibrium move or tip over. Doors swing, close or open. Blinds and pictures move. Pendulums of clocks stop or start or change their state of oscillation” when the intensity of V is recorded.
Aftershocks had magnitudes of 1.2, 1.1, 0.9 and 1.0.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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