Lisbon Shakes Again: 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits

by Laura Richards – Editor-in-Chief

Lisboa Registra Sismo de Magnitude 4,7

Table of Contents

– Lisboa, Portugal

Hoje à tarde, Lisboa foi abalada por um sismo de magnitude 4,7 na escala Richter, conforme relatado pela Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil. O epicentro do tremor foi localizado a aproximadamente 14 km a sudoeste de Seixal.


Impacto e Resposta do IPMA

Com o aumento da busca por informações sobre o sismo, o Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) enfrentou dificuldades técnicas em seu site. Inicialmente, o site ficou fora do ar, redirecionando os usuários para uma página de erro “Not Found”.

Após esse período de instabilidade, o IPMA disponibilizou uma versão simplificada de seu site, que foi descrita como uma “página visível por acesso direto ou redirecionado devido a um volume de tráfego excepcionalmente elevado ou por ações de manutenção”.


Sismo Lisboa | Website do IPMA

Atualizações e Informações Adicionais

O IPMA confirmou que o sismo foi sentido com uma intensidade máxima de V/VI (instrumental) na escala de Mercalli modificada nas áreas de Almada e Sesimbra. “Este sismo, de acordo com a informação disponível até ao momento, não causou danos pessoais ou materiais“, afirmou o instituto.

O IPMA também indicou que “no caso de redirecionamento, assim que a situação o permita, retornará à página original”. Após a instabilidade,o site foi restaurado à sua versão original,agora com informações atualizadas sobre o evento sísmico.

Versão atualizada do wesbite do IPMA
Versão atualizada do wesbite do IPMA

O IPMA continuará a monitorar a situação e emitirá novos comunicados se necessário.

Recent Earthquake in Portugal Highlights website Vulnerabilities

February 20, 2025

On February 20, 2025, a notable earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck Portugal, prompting a surge in public interest for data. This event has once again exposed the vulnerabilities of the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) website, which struggled to handle the influx of visitors seeking updates.

In August 2024, a similar incident occurred when a 5.3 magnitude earthquake near Sines caused the IPMA website to crash due to overwhelming traffic. The movement CpC: Cidadãos pela Cibersegurança had previously warned about the inadequacies of the IPMA’s infrastructure, stating that “the systems of IPMA will not be resilient to increased access” during emergencies.

Recurrent Warnings from Cybersecurity Advocates

Following the recent earthquake, CpC reiterated its concerns regarding the IPMA website’s performance. In a statement on their website, they emphasized that “in the event of such occurrences, one would expect the IPMA site to be the primary, most reliable, and secure source of information. Unfortunately, it was not (again).”

“The IPMA website once again coudl not withstand the load of users seeking information, and they were unable to access the site,” the movement stated, reiterating previous recommendations that could “minimize the risk of the site going offline due to high traffic, ensuring access to critical information that only IPMA can provide with the accuracy and rigor it is known for.”

Public Reactions on Social Media

In the wake of the earthquake, Portuguese netizens took to social media to share their experiences. The hashtag #sismo quickly became a trending topic on the platform X.Unlike the previous earthquake, which sparked a wave of memes, today’s tremor also elicited humorous responses as users coped with the situation.

After the Sines earthquake, social media was flooded with personal accounts and information about the phenomenon. Memes related to the earthquake have once again become prevalent, showcasing the public’s unique way of processing such events.

Gallery of Reactions

Check out the gallery below for a collection of reactions to the Sines earthquake:

Lisbon Shaken Again: A 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits sines

– By time News

Recent Seismic activity in Portugal

On February 20, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale struck near Sines, Portugal, causing tremors felt across Lisbon. This event has reignited concerns about seismic safety in the region, particularly as the country has experienced a series of minor quakes in recent months.

Impact on the Community

The tremors were reported at approximately 10:15 AM local time, prompting immediate responses from local authorities. residents in Lisbon reported feeling the ground shake, leading to a brief panic as people evacuated buildings. “It felt like a strong jolt,” saeid one local resident. “We were all worried about what might happen next,” she added.

Official Response and Safety Measures

The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has been closely monitoring seismic activity in the region. Following the earthquake, they reassured the public that while the tremor was significant, it did not pose an immediate threat of a larger quake. “We are continuously assessing the situation,” stated an IPMA spokesperson. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of the public and provide timely updates.”

Historical Context of Earthquakes in Portugal

Portugal has a long history of seismic activity, with the most devastating earthquake occurring in 1755, which destroyed much of Lisbon. The recent increase in seismic events has led to heightened awareness and preparedness among residents. Experts emphasize the importance of earthquake drills and safety education to mitigate risks.

Looking Ahead: Preparedness and Awareness

As the region continues to experience seismic activity,local governments are urged to enhance their emergency response plans. community workshops on earthquake preparedness are being organized to educate residents on safety protocols. “It’s crucial for everyone to know what to do in case of an earthquake,” said a community leader. “Preparedness can save lives.”

For ongoing updates on seismic activity and safety measures, stay tuned to local news outlets and the IPMA’s official communications.

lisbon Shaken by 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake: IPMA Reports Decline in Demand

Overview of the Earthquake

On February 20, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale struck near Lisbon, causing widespread concern among residents. The tremor was felt across various parts of the city, prompting immediate reactions from the public and authorities alike.

Impact and Public Response

The earthquake’s impact was felt strongly, with many residents expressing their fears and experiences on social media. “It was a sudden jolt that left us all startled,” shared one local resident. The tremor has reignited discussions about the preparedness of the city for seismic events.

“We need to ensure that our infrastructure can withstand such shocks,” stated a city official during a press briefing.

City Official

IPMA’s Role and Current Statistics

The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has reported a noticeable decline in public inquiries regarding earthquake preparedness following the event. This trend raises concerns about the community’s awareness and readiness for future seismic activities.

Recent statistics indicate that while the frequency of earthquakes in the region has remained stable, public interest in safety measures has fluctuated considerably. Experts reccommend that residents stay informed and prepared.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As Lisbon continues to recover from this recent earthquake, it is crucial for both the government and citizens to prioritize safety and preparedness. The IPMA urges the public to remain vigilant and proactive in understanding the risks associated with living in a seismically active area.

Lisbon Shaken by 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake: IPMA Reports Increased demand

sismo Sines - memes
Sismo Sines – memes: Lisboa volta a tremer com sismo de magnitude 4,7. IPMA em baixo pela procura – SAPO tek

In a recent seismic event, Lisbon experienced a tremor measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale, prompting a surge in inquiries to the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA).This earthquake, which struck at approximately 16:11, has raised concerns among residents and officials alike.

Impact and Response

The tremor was felt across various districts in Lisbon, leading to a flurry of calls to emergency services. “the public’s response has been overwhelming, with many seeking information and reassurance,” stated an IPMA representative.

We are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to provide updates as necessary, IPMA Official said.

Current Availability of Services

As of the latest update, the IPMA’s website has faced accessibility issues due to the high volume of traffic. “We are working diligently to restore full functionality,” the spokesperson added.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to remain calm as authorities assess the situation.

For ongoing updates, please refer to the IPMA’s official communications and local news outlets.

note: This article was last updated at 16:11.

Expert Insights: The Recent earthquakes in Portugal and Community Preparedness

A time.news Interview with dr. Anya Sharma

Following the recent seismic activity in Portugal, including a 4.7 magnitude earthquake near Sines and felt in Lisbon, we spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in seismology and disaster preparedness. Dr.Sharma provided valuable insights into the implications of these events, the importance of public awareness, and practical steps individuals and communities can take to stay safe.

Q&A with Dr. Anya Sharma

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. what is your initial assessment of the recent earthquakes in the Sines/Lisbon area?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me.The recent 4.7 magnitude earthquake is certainly a noteworthy event. Portugal, given its proximity to major fault lines, has a history of seismic activity.While a 4.7 quake isn’t catastrophic, it’s strong enough to be felt widely and serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability. The fact that it was felt in Lisbon highlights the potential impact on densely populated areas.

Time.news: The article mentions increased, and at times decreased, public inquiries to the IPMA (Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere) following the events. What does that tell us?

Dr. Sharma: Fluctuations in public interest following seismic events are quite common. Initially, there is often a surge in inquiries as people seek details and reassurance. This highlights a natural anxiety and desire to understand the risk.However,this interest can wane over time as the immediate memory of the event fades. The key is to maintain a consistent level of awareness and preparedness, so people are ready to respond effectively regardless of how recent the last earthquake was.

Time.news: One of the articles discusses the IPMA facing website accessibility issues. What challenges do these technical difficulties present during emergencies?

Dr. Sharma: Website unaccessibility can become a major obstacle since in today’s world, people rely on timely information from official sites during emergencies. If those resources are unavailable, people may turn to less trustworthy sources, possibly spreading misinformation and increasing panic. Emergency response agencies must invest in robust IT infrastructures that can withstand surges in traffic during moments of crisis.

Time.news: The 1755 Lisbon earthquake is mentioned. How does Portugal’s history impact current preparedness efforts?

Dr. Sharma: The 1755 earthquake is a scar in Portugal’s collective memory. It underscores the potential for devastating seismic events. This historical awareness should, and often does, drive initiatives to improve building codes, emergency response plans, and public education. Tho,complacency can creep in over time,so continuous reinforcement of preparedness measures is crucial. It’s about learning from the past to protect the future.

Time.news: What are the moast critical steps individuals can take to prepare for an earthquake?

Dr. Sharma: There are several essential steps:

  1. Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Include meeting points and communication strategies.
  2. Secure Your Home: Anchor furniture, such as bookshelves and water heaters, to the walls. Store heavy items on lower shelves.
  3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include water (at least one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a whistle, and a battery-powered radio.
  4. Know the Safe Spots: During an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on. If you’re outside, move away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
  5. Stay Informed: Monitor official sources like the IPMA for updates and safety guidelines.

Time.news: What role should local governments play in improving earthquake preparedness?

Dr. Sharma: Local governments are vital in ensuring community resilience. They should:

  1. Enforce Stringent Building Codes: Ensure new constructions meet high standards for earthquake resistance, and consider retrofitting older buildings.
  2. Conduct Regular Drills: Organize earthquake drills in schools,workplaces,and residential areas to familiarize people with safety procedures.
  3. Provide Public Education: Offer workshops and distribute information on earthquake preparedness, focusing on practical steps and risk awareness.
  4. Develop Comprehensive Emergency Response Plans: Coordinate with emergency services, hospitals, and community organizations to ensure a swift and effective response.
  5. Invest in Early Warning Systems: While predicting earthquakes isn’t possible, investing in advanced monitoring technologies can provide valuable seconds of warning, allowing people to take protective actions.

Time.news: Dr.Sharma, any final recommendations for our readers?

Dr. Sharma: Remember that preparedness is a continuous process. Don’t wait for another earthquake to start thinking about safety. Stay informed,stay prepared,and work together as a community to build resilience. Knowledge and proactive action are our best defenses against the impact of seismic events.

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

Dr. sharma: it was my pleasure.

For ongoing updates on seismic activity and safety measures, stay tuned to local news outlets and the IPMA’s official communications.

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