Magnitude 4.9 Earthquake at Depth 10 km Strikes Granada, Spain on 18th August 2026

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck the Granada region of southern Spain on 18th August 2026 at 08:37 UTC, followed by a series of additional tremors including magnitudes 4.6 and 4.7, along with numerous smaller aftershocks. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, resulting in strong, widely felt shaking across Granada and surrounding municipalities.

Earthquake magnitude is calculated using scientific methods that measure the total energy released during fault movement. Link to: How Earthquake Magnitudes Are Calculated

🌍 Location and Tectonic Setting

Granada lies within a tectonically active zone influenced by compression between the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate. Although Spain is not located on a major subduction boundary, southern Spain experiences moderate seismicity due to crustal faulting associated with this plate interaction.

Shallow earthquakes in this region often produce sharp, intense shaking that can be felt across a wide metropolitan area.

The tectonic plates beneath southern Europe play a major role in how earthquakes form and how strongly they are felt across the region. Link to: What Is a Subduction Zone?

📈 Magnitude, Depth & Shaking

The initial 4.9 quake and subsequent 4.6–4.7 tremors were surface‑level events, meaning the shaking was more intense than deeper earthquakes of similar magnitude. Residents reported:

• Strong jolts
• Falling household items
• Cracks appearing in walls
• Loud rumbling noises

Several buildings suffered visible structural damage, including cracked facades, dislodged bricks, and damaged walls.

Shallow earthquakes often produce stronger shaking because seismic energy reaches the surface more quickly. Link to: How Earthquake Depth Affects Shaking, Damage, and What People Feel

🔁 Aftershocks & Ongoing Seismic Activity

The 4.9 event was followed quickly by additional tremors:

• Magnitude 4.7 at 10:37 local time (08:37 UTC)
• Magnitude 4.6 shortly afterwards
• Multiple smaller aftershocks across Gójar, Alhendín, Las Gabias, and Churriana de la Vega

Emergency services received over 500 calls reporting falling debris, cracks, and damage inside homes.

🏘️ Damage, Injuries & Evacuations

Authorities confirmed at least three people suffered light injuries, including a minor who was taken to hospital.

Significant disruption occurred across the province:

• 600 residents evacuated from damaged buildings in Las Gabias due to structural concerns.
• Administrative buildings, museums, and sports facilities closed as a precaution.
• Hotels evacuated in parts of Granada.
• Granada Metro reduced train speeds to 30 km/h for safety.
• Tourist access to the Alhambra restricted, with localised decorative damage reported.

Residents described intense fear, falling objects, and damage inside homes, with some choosing to leave the city temporarily.

🌊 Tsunami Risk

This earthquake occurred inland and at a shallow depth. There is no tsunami risk.

📡 Monitoring & Updates

EarthExtremities.com will continue monitoring official updates from USGS, IGN, and regional emergency services. Any revisions to magnitude, depth, or damage assessments will be added as new information becomes available.

For readers who want a clear overview of why earthquakes occur, our guide explains the main causes and processes behind seismic activity. Link to: Why Earthquakes Happen — A Simple Explanation