A magnitude 3.1 earthquake shook the Region of Murcia at 04:01 local time (02:01 UTC) on Friday. According to the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), the epicentre was in the municipality of Cehegín, with a recorded focal depth of 0.0 kilometres. The macroseismic intensity was rated III to IV.
Reports say the earthquake was felt particularly strongly in Algezares and in Campillo de los Jiménez It was also reported in La Copa, a group of villages in the municipality of Bullas, though less strongly. The IGN also received reports of lighter shaking from the urban area of Cehegín and the pedanías of Cañada de Cánara and El Cabezo. Further reports came from the neighbouring towns of Calasparra, Moratalla and Caravaca de la Cruz and the pedanía of Navares.
By late morning, local authorities and the media cited had received no reports of injuries or damage. Earthquakes of this magnitude are perceptible in the region, but experience shows that they generally cause no significant damage. The very shallow reported depth may make the tremor more noticeable nearby; for weak events, this catalogue depth is often a standard value until more precise assessments are available.
The Region of Murcia is one of the more seismically active areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Historically, perceptible earthquakes have occurred there repeatedly, but damaging events are rare. The authorities generally recommend securely anchoring heavy furniture, taking cover under sturdy tables during an earthquake and following official guidance from local authorities and the IGN afterwards.
The IGN records the event in its earthquake catalogue, including the time, location coordinates and intensity readings. Local and regional media base their reports on this official data and feedback from the public. No forecasts of aftershocks are available; increased seismic activity cannot be ruled out after smaller events, but can only be confirmed by relevant measurements.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).