A moderate earthquake rattled the province of Almería in southeastern Spain early Monday, February 16, 2026, registering a magnitude of 4.3. The tremor, felt across a wide area of the region, occurred at 00:55 local time (23:55 UTC), according to preliminary data from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), Spain’s national geographic institute. This earthquake is the strongest to hit the area in recent times, surpassing a 4.2 magnitude quake recorded on October 29, 2025.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located six kilometers from Tabernas, a municipality in the interior of Almería province. Residents in nearby towns and cities, including Huércal de Almería, Roquetas de Mar, El Ejido, and Níjar, reported feeling the shaking. The IGN reported the quake had a shallow depth of just three kilometers, which contributed to its widespread perceptibility. The quake’s identifier is es2026dgblx, with coordinates 37.0664 latitude and -2.3832 longitude.
Details of the Almería Earthquake
According to the IGN, the earthquake’s technical details are as follows: date of February 15, 2026; UTC time of 23:55:23; local time of 00:55:23 (February 16, 2026); a depth of 3 kilometers; and a magnitude of 4.5 mbLg. The location was northeast of Tabernas.
Shaking Felt Across the Region
Reports from residents indicate the shaking was brief but intense in areas closest to the epicenter. In Huércal de Almería, some residents were awakened by the tremor. While the shallow depth amplified the sensation of the quake, authorities have not yet reported any injuries or significant damage. Earthquakes of magnitude 4.3 are typically capable of moving objects, causing vibrations in windows, and potentially causing minor damage to older structures.
El epicentro del terremoto se ha localizado en Tabernas, según la web del Instituto Geográfico Nacional.
Seismic Activity Common in Almería
The province of Almería is situated in a region with a history of seismic activity, due to its location near a contact zone between tectonic plates. La Voz de Almería reports that the area is one of the most seismically active in Andalusia. This latest quake is not an isolated incident, with at least three tremors recorded in the province so far this month, and another reported in the previous week.
Información del terremoto
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation for aftershocks. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any damage to local emergency services. The IGN provides updated information on seismic activity in Spain on its website. Further updates regarding potential damage assessments and any ongoing seismic activity will be provided as they become available.
If you felt this earthquake, you can report your experience to the IGN through their online reporting tool. This information helps scientists better understand the impact of seismic events and improve future preparedness efforts.
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