The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) communicated that no reports have been received indicating the earthquake was felt by the population.
The IPMA advises the public to follow civil protection services’ guidance.
According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by magnitude as follows: 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), major (7.0-7.9), great (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9), and extreme (above 10).
The Modified Mercalli scale measures “degrees of intensity and respective descriptions.”
With an intensity IV, considered moderate, “suspended objects sway, the vibration resembles the passing of heavy vehicles or the impact from a heavy ball against walls, parked cars rock, windows, doors, and dishes rattle, and at the upper end of this degree, walls and wooden structures creak,” describes the IPMA on its website.
With an intensity III, the tremor is considered weak, felt indoors, and hanging objects sway, with “vibration similar to that caused by passing heavy vehicles.”
