In brief
A 4.8‑magnitude earthquake struck southern Spain early Tuesday, leaving three lightly injured and damaging several buildings, including historic museums and sports centres. The tremor, felt most strongly near Granada, prompted the temporary closure of the Alhambra palace and speed reductions on the city’s metro line. Local residents reported intense shaking, while traffic and tourist flows were interrupted as authorities tightened security amid fears of aftershocks.
Published 18 August 2026, 3 hours ago • By Jaroslav Lukiv
At least three people have been lightly injured while a number of buildings suffered damage after a 4.8‑magnitude tremor rattled southern Spain.
The shake’s epicentre was about 10 km (6 mi) south of Granada, according to the country’s National Geographic Institute, which recorded the earthquake at a depth of under 10 km.
Residents poured into streets as the tremor rattled homes and institutional venues. Debris fell, damaging cars and forcing the temporary closure of museums, administrative buildings and sports centres. The most famous landmark, the Alhambra palace – a UNESCO World Heritage site – closed for the afternoon to ensure safety.
In the city’s metro, operators reduced train speeds to 30 km h⁻¹ (19 mph) for safety, warning commuters of potential delays.
Local reactions were vivid: “Everything came crashing down. It was terrifying,” said supermarket worker Cristina Ruiz Lopez. Museum curator Alfonso Malpica noted the quake felt “stronger than the ones that happen from time to time.”
The National Geographic Institute said this tremor follows a series of shallow quakes that began last Friday. Authorities are monitoring for aftershocks as they assess the structural integrity of historic and modern facilities throughout the region.
Tourists and locals alike remain on alert, with government agencies urging heightened vigilance as seismic activity continues.
