Approximately 1,100 small earthquakes have shaken the volcanic island located in the Atlantic Ocean of Portugal within less than 48 hours.
According to The Guardian, on March 21, Rui Marques – Director of the Civisa Volcanic Monitoring Center in the Azores archipelago – reported that numerous earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 1.9 to 3.3 have occurred on São Jorge Island since the afternoon of March 19. So far, the earthquakes have not caused any damage to people or property.
Beach in Angra do Heroismo in the Azores archipelago. (Photo: Reuters)
Authorities stated that the earthquakes occurred along the Manadas volcanic fissure on the island. This volcano last erupted in 1808. In light of the potential risks, Luis Silveira, the Mayor of Velas, activated an emergency plan as experts assessed these thousands of small earthquakes as a seismic crisis.
São Jorge, one of the 9 islands in the Azores archipelago, is home to approximately 8,400 residents. It is centrally located within the archipelago, which includes popular tourist destinations such as Faial and Pico.
Satellite imagery shows seismic activity on São Jorge Island. (Photo: Reuters)
This unusual seismic activity is reminiscent of the earthquakes that occurred before the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma erupted last year. This area is located about 1,400 km southeast of the Azores. Over 85 days, the eruption destroyed thousands of properties and crops.
Marques told the Lusa news agency: “It is still unclear what the pattern of this seismic activity is. However, Civisa has established two additional seismic monitoring stations on the island and is measuring gases in the ground, an indicator of volcanic activity.”
The Civil Protection Agency of São Jorge Island has also contacted local mayors and fire units, requesting them to remain vigilant and assist residents if necessary. Meanwhile, officials have urged the public to stay calm, stay informed, and follow the recommendations of authorities.
