LISBON, July 25, 2025 – A significant tremor shook Portugal on Friday, with a 5.8 magnitude earthquake felt across the Madeira region and extending to parts of the mainland, including Lisbon and Setúbal. Authorities reported no damage or injuries resulting from the seismic event.
Tremor Registered at 2:29 p.m.
A moderate 5.8 magnitude earthquake was felt Friday across Madeira and parts of mainland Portugal, causing no reported damage.
- A 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred Friday.
- The tremor was felt in Madeira, Lisbon, and Setúbal.
- No damage or injuries were reported.
- The epicenter was about 510 kilometers northwest of Porto Santo.
The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude and stated its epicenter was located approximately 510 kilometers north-northwest of Porto Santo island. The seismic network registered the event at 2:29 p.m.
Did the earthquake cause damage? No, the earthquake did not result in any personal injuries or material damage, according to IPMA.
Intensity Levels Explained
The quake registered a maximum intensity of II-III on the modified Mercalli scale in the Madeira region. This intensity level means the shaking could be felt by people at rest on upper floors of buildings, or felt indoors with a vibration similar to heavy vehicle traffic.
The intensity was even lower in Setúbal and Lisbon. The Mercalli scale measures the “degrees of intensity and its description,” providing a way to understand how an earthquake is perceived by people and its effects on structures.
Earthquakes are classified by magnitude on the Richter scale. Magnitudes below 2.0 are considered micro, while 5.0-5.9 signifies a moderate earthquake, and anything above 6.0 is classified as strong.
