The CIVISA reported that an earthquake was recorded at 2:42 PM local time (3:42 PM in Lisbon) with its epicenter approximately five kilometers south-southeast of Raminho, on the island of Terceira.
The statement indicated, “Based on the available information, the earthquake was felt with a maximum intensity of IV (Modified Mercalli scale) in Raminho, Altares, Doze Ribeiras, Serreta (municipality of Angra do Heroísmo), Biscoitos, and Agualva (municipality of Praia da Vitória).”
The event is part of the ongoing seismovolcanic crisis on Terceira Island since June 2022.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) also issued a statement regarding the earthquake recorded at 2:42 PM local time, assigning it a magnitude of 2.9 on the Richter scale with its epicenter about four kilometers south-southeast of Raminho (Terceira).
According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by 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 (greater than 10).
The Modified Mercalli scale measures “degrees of intensity and their respective descriptions.”
With an intensity of IV, considered moderate, “hanging objects swing, the vibration is similar to that caused by heavy vehicles or a heavy ball hitting the walls, parked cars rock, windows, doors, and crockery rattle, glass and crockery clink, and at the upper end of this degree, walls and wooden structures creak,” as described by the IPMA on their website.
