Series of Earthquakes Hits Granada, Alhambra Closed

A series of earthquakes has struck the southern Spanish province of Granada, causing building damage, minor injuries, and the temporary closure of the iconic Alhambra palace and fortress. The seismic activity, which began on August 14, has included a magnitude 5.0 tremor and a subsequent 4.8 magnitude quake, prompting authorities to activate emergency plans and urge public caution.

The initial major earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.0, struck the region on August 15. Its epicenter was in the town of Alhendín, and the tremor was felt across Andalusia and as far as Madrid. The quake caused parts of buildings to collapse, crushed cars, and forced evacuations of residents and holidaymakers. In response, a state of emergency was declared in the city of Granada.

A second significant earthquake, initially reported as magnitude 4.7 but later revised to 4.8, hit on the morning of August 18. According to Spain's National Geographic Institute (IGN), this shallow quake had its epicenter in the town of Gojar, about 10 kilometers south of Granada city. It was followed by a rapid series of aftershocks, including two tremors above magnitude 4.0 within an hour. The IGN has recorded nearly 150...