Almeria Shaken by 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Early Morning Tremor

A 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Almeria, Spain, in the early hours of February 12, 2024. The tremor, which occurred at 00:55 hours local time, had its epicentre near Tabernas, a region popular with tourists. Residents and visitors alike reported feeling their beds shake and furniture rattle as the seismic event unfolded.

The National Geographic Institute confirmed the earthquake, initially recorded at a magnitude of 4.5 before being revised. It was located at a shallow depth, which contributed to the intensity of the shaking felt by many. Witnesses described the experience vividly, with one individual likening the sound and movement to “a lorry scraping across the side of my house.”

Widespread Effects Across Almeria

Reports indicate that the tremor was felt throughout the entire Almeria province, affecting numerous municipalities. “He was sleeping and the whole bed has moved,” one resident recounted. Another added, “I was on the sofa and it has moved backwards.” Tabernas mayor, José Díaz, confirmed the strong sensation within the town, stating, “What a fright we had; the whole house shook.”

Following the initial quake, residents quickly took to the streets to assess potential damage. Fortunately, as of now, no significant destruction has been reported. The National Geographic Institute also recorded minor aftershocks, with a total of five smaller quakes occurring shortly after the main tremor. These aftershocks registered magnitudes of 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, and 1.9, with depths ranging from 3 to 13 kilometres.

The earthquake’s effects were notable beyond Almeria, reaching residents in surrounding provinces including Murcia, Granada, and Jaén. Reports indicated that the tremors were felt across more than 100 municipalities, highlighting the widespread impact of the seismic activity.

Recent Seismic Activity in the Region

This earthquake is not an isolated event. Just three days prior, on February 9, another tremor of magnitude 3.2 was recorded in Partaloa, felt across several municipalities in the Almanzora Valley. In recent history, Almeria experienced a significant earthquake on July 14, 2023, which registered a magnitude of 5.3 but fortunately occurred offshore, preventing major repercussions.

On February 14, 2024, the National Geographic Institute released a bulletin regarding ongoing seismic activity in the Málaga area, detailing a series of minor earthquakes that have been recorded since early February. The report noted that since February 3, 2026, the National Seismic Network has logged 287 small-magnitude earthquakes, mostly below magnitude 3, with the highest being 3.8.

As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through reliable sources, including updates from the National Geographic Institute, which remains vigilant in assessing the ongoing seismic landscape in southern Spain.