An earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale was felt this Friday in the municipality of Vendas Novas, in the district of Évora, without causing any personal or property damage, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) reported.
The earthquake, “according to the information available to date, did not cause any personal or property damage and was felt at maximum intensity IV (modified Mercalli scale) in the municipality of Vendas Novas,” IPMA said in a statement.
The earthquake, whose epicenter was approximately 12 kilometers northeast of Vendas Novas, was recorded at 12:08 pm by the Continente Seismic Network stations, the same organization was identified.
IPMA also stressed that determining the location of an earthquake’s epicenter is a complex process that depends on data sets, algorithms and seismic wave propagation models, meaning that different agencies may produce slightly different results.
“Different agencies may produce slightly different results. In addition, preliminary determinations are usually adjusted later by combining additional information,” he added, noting that new statements will be issued if the situation warrants.
On Monday, the institute recorded another earthquake with the epicenter located in Vendas Novas, more precisely, about 14 kilometers northeast of the city.
This earthquake of magnitude 4.0 on the Richter scale was felt on Monday at 21:02 in the municipalities of Évora, Almeirim and Ponte de Sor, and no damage was recorded.
The shock “was felt with maximum intensity IV/V (modified Mercalli scale) in the municipalities of Évora and Almeirim,” while in the municipality of Ponte de Sor (Portalegre) it was felt “with less intensity.”
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), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0- 9.9) and extreme (when more than 10).
The Modified Mercalli Scale measures “degree of intensity and corresponding description.”
At intensity III, considered weak, the shock is felt inside the house and hanging objects sway, feeling “vibrations similar to those caused by heavy vehicles passing,” can be read on the IPMA website.
At intensity IV, considered moderate, parked cars shake, windows, doors, and utensils shake, “glasses and utensils rattle or clank,” and walls or woodwork may creak.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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