5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Near Madeira Felt in Lisbon and Setúbal – No Damage Reported

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the Madeira region early Friday morning, with tremors felt as far as Lisbon and Setúbal, according to the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). Fortunately, no personal injuries or material damages were reported.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude: 5.8 on the Richter scale
• Epicenter: Approximately 510 km north-northwest of Porto Santo Island
• Time Recorded: 2:29 AM by the Continental Seismic Network

Intensity and Impact

The quake was felt with a maximum intensity of II-III on the Modified Mercalli Scale in the Madeira region and with lesser intensity in Setúbal and Lisbon. The IPMA clarified that such intensity levels mean the quake was felt by people at rest in upper floors of buildings and caused hanging objects to swing slightly, akin to the vibration from heavy vehicles passing by.

Understanding the Scales

• Richter Scale: Classifies earthquakes from micro (less than 2.0) to extreme (above 10.0). This event falls under 'moderate' (5.0-5.9).
• Modified Mercalli Scale: Measures the effects of an earthquake, with II-III indicating minimal to no damage but noticeable shaking.

For more updates, visit IPMA's official website.