Five earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.7 to 3.3 were felt today on the island of São Miguel, part of the Eastern group of the Azores, according to the Azores Seismic and Volcanic Information and Surveillance Center (CIVISA).

According to CIVISA, the tremors were recorded at 2:45 p.m. local time (one hour later in Lisbon), 3:06 p.m., 3:09 p.m., 3:41 p.m., and 5:39 p.m. The first earthquake had a magnitude of 3.1, followed by 2.9, 2.7, 3.3, and 2.9.

The earthquakes had their epicenter south and south-southwest of Faial da Terra and south-southeast of Ribeira Quente, on the island of São Miguel. According to CIVISA, they were felt with a maximum intensity of III and III/IV (Modified Mercalli scale) in Povoação, Faial da Terra, Ribeira Quente, Furnas, and Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (municipality of Povoação).

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), light (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), major (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme (when greater than 10).

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

With an intensity of III, the tremor is considered weak, is felt inside the house, and hanging objects swing, with a “vibration similar to that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles,” according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) on its website. With an intensity of IV, considered moderate, ” suspended objects swing, the vibration is similar to that caused by heavy vehicles passing by or the sensation of a heavy ball hitting the walls, parked cars sway, windows, doors, and dishes shake, glass and dishes clash or rattle, and at the upper end of this degree, walls and wooden structures creak.”

From Açores9 – Paulo Melo, director

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