The earthquake occurred approximately 40 kilometers west of Ginetes, São Miguel, with tremors reported on Terceira and Santa Maria. No injuries or damage were reported in the initial assessment.

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the Azores on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:07 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Ginetes, on the island of São Miguel, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

The earthquake was felt across several islands, particularly São Miguel, where the strongest shaking was reported in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. According to the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Monitoring Center (CIVISA), the earthquake reached a maximum intensity of V–VI on the Modified Mercalli scale in Ponta Delgada, indicating moderate to strong shaking.

Intensity V was reported in Ribeira Grande, Lagoa, Vila Franca do Campo, and Povoação, while Nordeste registered intensity IV–V. On Terceira Island, the earthquake was felt at intensity IV in Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. Vila do Porto, on Santa Maria Island, recorded intensity III.

While IPMA reported a magnitude of 5.2, CIVISA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) listed the earthquake at magnitude 5.1. Such differences can arise from the measurement methods and data used by seismic monitoring agencies.

According to the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), no injuries or material damage had been reported at the time of its initial assessment.

Civil Protection officials said they were monitoring the situation in coordination with emergency services and other competent authorities. Residents were urged to remain calm and follow information released through official channels.

The Azores are situated in a seismically active region of the North Atlantic, where tectonic plate boundaries contribute to recurring earthquakes and volcanic activity. Although seismic events are part of the archipelago’s geological reality, earthquakes of this magnitude can be widely felt and may cause concern among residents.

Authorities continued to assess the situation following the earthquake.

Based on initial earthquake information released by IPMA, CIVISA, and the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, as reported October 20, 2026.