An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 on the Richter scale was felt today in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, in the district of Setúbal, without causing any personal or material damage, the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) said.
The earthquake, with an epicentre about six kilometers northwest of Santiago do Cacém and recorded at 00:49 at the stations of the Mainland Seismic Network, “was also felt with less intensity in the municipalities of Évora (Évora), Alcácer do Sal, Grândola and Sines (Setúbal),” IMPA said in a statement.
The quake was felt with a maximum intensity of IV/V (modified Mercalli scale) in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém (Setúbal).
Earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), slight (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme (greater than 10).
The maximum intensity IV (moderate) and V (strong) on the modified Mercalli scale means that the vibration is similar to that caused by passing vehicles, parked cars sway, windows and doors shake and it is felt outside the house.