Granada residents take to the streets for fear of aftershocks: "After the eclipse, it's starting to look like the end of the world"

Five new earthquakes shook the province of Granada on Friday, with two of them felt by the local population. The seismic activity has continued since early August, with the National Geographic Institute (IGN) recording nearly 500 tremors in the metropolitan area over the past five days. These movements have primarily occurred around towns such as Alhendín, Gójar, La Zubia, Ogíjares, and Armilla. Two of the recent quakes reached a magnitude of 4.8 Mw, figures close to those recorded during the 2011 Lorca earthquake, which measured 5.2 on the scale. However, the majority of the tremors have been smaller in magnitude and shallow in depth. The sequence of earthquakes currently affecting Granada is referred to as a "seismic series." This phenomenon involves a chain of related movements within the same region, varying in magnitude. Unlike a "seismic swarm," which typically consists of numerous quakes of similar size occurring in a specific area and timeframe, the situation in Granada features a range of magnitudes, from minor tremors to more substantial shocks. According to geologist and science communicator Nahúm Méndez Chazarra, this diversity in magnitude defines the event as a series rather than a swarm. Experts suggest one possible explanation for the ongoing activity is a "cascading effect." A primary earthquake can overload nearby faults, triggering additional movement either on adjacent faults or segments. If the resulting quake reaches a sufficient magnitude, it can generate its own aftershocks. This process might continue sequentially, creating a domino-like chain reaction. Although scientists cannot yet determine the exact mechanism behind the current sequence, they are working tirelessly to understand the underlying causes. Méndez Chazarra emphasized that predicting the timing or end of the seismic series is not feasible. He noted that it is common for such seismic activity to persist for some time, citing previous instances such as the tremors in Santa Fe and Atarfe between 2020 and 2021, which lasted several months and included thousands of quakes, some exceeding magnitude 4. While the frequency and intensity of the tremors may decrease gradually, further quakes cannot be ruled out in the coming days. Granada lies within one of the most seismically active regions on the Iberian Peninsula. This risk arises from the collision between the African and Eurasian continents, concentrating energy in the southeastern part of the peninsula. Over long periods, rocks subjected to this pressure accumulate tension until they can no longer withstand it, eventually breaking and releasing energy in the form of earthquakes. Méndez explained this concept using an elastic band analogy: as the band is stretched slowly, it reaches a point where it can no longer stretch, snaps, and releases energy upon breaking. Historical records show that Granada has experienced significant seismic events before. The expert cataloged several instances of moderate-intensity quakes, including ones in 1955, 1956, and 1984, along with others of lesser magnitude. What makes the current situation noteworthy is the prolonged nature of the seismic series, which has not been observed frequently in the region. Authorities have called for residents to review their homes' structural integrity following the recent tremors. Concerns about building preparedness have grown as the frequency of quakes increases. Experts stress the importance of assessing whether existing structures can withstand future seismic events, especially given the unpredictable nature of the current seismic activity.