Andalusia has activated this Friday the level of seismic pre-emergency after a movement of magnitude 4.9 shook the area of Fuengirola at 10:38 am. The earthquake, recorded at a depth of 78 kilometers, was felt in large parts of the provinces of Malaga, Seville and Cordoba, generating concern among the population and triggering the implementation of the Seismic Risk Plan.
The Minister of Health, Presidency and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, confirmed the activation of the protocol through an institutional message accompanied by basic recommendations to act safely in the event of an earthquake.
What does the seismic pre-emergency phase mean?
The so-called operational situation 0 is activated when earthquakes occur that are perceptible to a considerable number of citizens, although without known damage. This level obliges the administrations involved to coordinate official information, reinforce warning channels and prepare the necessary resources in case it is necessary to escalate the response.
It does not pose an imminent risk, but it does imply that emergency agencies move to a state of heightened vigilance and communication, with the objective of anticipating possible aftershocks or unforeseen events.
More than 100 calls to 112 after the earthquake
The earthquake generated a wave of calls to the Andalusian emergency service. The 112 received about fifty warnings from different municipalities in Malaga (including Malaga city, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Marbella and Alhaurin de la Torre) as well as towns in Seville and Cordoba.
Despite the wide perception of the tremor, no personal or material damage has been reported, as confirmed by service sources.
The National Geographic Institute has detailed that the movement was also felt in points such as Mijas, Algarrobo, Rincón de la Victoria, Torrox, Nerja or Antequera; as well as in Estepa, Lora del Río and Écija (Seville), in areas of Córdoba and in municipalities of the coast of Granada.
The recommendations of 112 to act in the event of an earthquake
The emergency services have recalled a series of essential guidelines to minimize risks during a seismic event:
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Inside a building, it is safest to stay indoors and seek protection under a sturdy table or door frame, away from windows and falling objects.
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The elevator must not be used in any case.
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Unless there is imminent danger, it is not advisable to run out into the street.
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If the tremor strikes outdoors, it is recommended to move away from facades, cornices, trees and elements that are susceptible to detachment.
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In case of driving, it is advisable to stop the vehicle in a safe place and stay inside until the movement passes.
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After an earthquake, avoid lighting matches or candles because of the risk of gas leaks.
The authorities insist that official information should be followed only through institutional channels, especially in view of the proliferation of unverified messages on social networks.
