According to CIVISA (earthquake monitoring agency in the Azores), the earthquake was recorded at 01:56 and had its epicenter about five kilometers north of São Bartolomeu, Terceira island.

“According to the information available so far, the earthquake was felt with a maximum intensity of III (Modified Mercalli scale) in the parish of Terra Chã (municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira island),” CIVISA said in a statement.

The event is part of “the ongoing seismic crisis on Terceira island since June 2022”.

According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), slight (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 greater than 10).

The Modified Mercalli scale measures “degrees of intensity and their description.”

With an intensity of III, considered weak, the tremor is felt inside the house, and pending objects sway, regarding a “vibration similar to that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles,” reveals the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) on its website.

in Açoriano Oriental, Paulo Simões, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance)  at California State University, Fresno.