An earthquake, with its epicenter located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Pombal, was felt with a maximum intensity of III/IV on the Mercalli scale in the municipalities of Leiria and Pombal.
The IPMA reported that the earthquake did not cause any personal or material damage at the time of their statement.
“Additional statements will be issued if the situation warrants,” they added.
On the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by magnitude as 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), large (7.0-7.9), major (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9), and extreme (above 10).
The Modified Mercalli Intensity scale measures “degrees of intensity and their respective description.”
With an intensity of III, considered weak, the tremor is felt indoors, and hanging objects swing, perceived as a “vibration similar to that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles,” reveals the IPMA on its website.
An intensity of IV, considered moderate, causes “hanging objects to swing, the vibration resembles that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles or the sensation of a heavy ball hitting walls, parked cars sway, windows, doors, and dishes shake, glasses and dishes clash or jingle, and at the upper end of this degree, walls and wooden structures creak,” describes the IPMA.
