In a statement, the IPMA reported that an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 on the Richter scale occurred at 00:38 today, with its epicenter located approximately four kilometers west-southwest of Celorico da Beira, in the district of Guarda.
“According to the information available at present, this earthquake caused no personal or material damage and was felt with a maximum intensity of IV/V (modified Mercalli scale) in the municipality of Covilhã (Castelo Branco),” emphasized the IPMA.
It was felt with less intensity in the municipalities of Aveiro, Santa Maria da Feira, Mealhada, Ovar, Vale de Cambra (Aveiro), Sertã (Castelo Branco), Guarda (Guarda), Alijó (Vila Real), Cinfães, Nelas, and Viseu (Viseu).
“If the situation warrants, new statements will be issued,” added the IPMA.
According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very minor (2.0-2.9), minor (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 (when greater than 10).
The Modified Mercalli Scale measures the “degrees of intensity and respective description.”
With an intensity of IV, considered moderate, “suspended objects swing, the vibration is similar to the passage of heavy vehicles or the sensation of a heavy ball hitting the walls, parked cars rock, windows, doors, and dishes rattle, glassware and dishes clash or jingle, and at the upper end of this degree, walls and wooden structures creak,” according to the IPMA.
At an intensity of V, considered strong, the tremor is “felt outdoors, the direction of movement can be assessed, people are awakened, liquids oscillate and some spill, small objects in unstable positions move or topple.”
