The recent earthquake that struck Morocco reminds us that seismic activity can hit regions not previously considered high risk. While Morocco is not typically seen as a hotspot for major earthquakes, the event raised questions about our own Iberian neighbors. Could Spain face a quake of a similar scale in the future?
As explained by Samuel Biener on the Meteored platform, the Iberian Peninsula sits near the convergence zone between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates. This collision zone stretches from the Atlantic near Portugal, across the Mediterranean, and toward Italy, Greece, and Turkey. It is the main driver of the seismic activity observed in southern Spain and Portugal.
Provinces close to these contact areas—such as Granada, Almería, Málaga, Murcia, and Alicante—are identified by the National Geographic Institute as areas with higher potential for earthquakes.
Beyond this core zone, additional factors complicate the picture. Microplates and active faults far from the central collision zone contribute to seismic activity in other parts of the peninsula, including the Pyrenees and Galicia.
“In the Western Mediterranean, plate collisions move slower but can be intense, compared with other regions”, explains Samuel Biener.
That does not mean a major quake cannot occur. Spain is not Morocco, yet recent events in North Africa show how devastating earthquakes can be. The reminder is clear: every seismic region should be prepared, even if the odds seem low.
That event serves as a wake-up call to not overlook the fact that the Iberian Peninsula lies in a seismically active zone. Local authorities emphasize the need for extreme precautions and preventive measures to reduce risk and protect lives.
Seismologists from the National Geographic Institute have stated to multiple media that earthquakes cannot be predicted with certainty. They are actively investigating the possibility of a Marrakesh-scale incident occurring within Spain, highlighting the importance of preparedness and resilience planning.
Latest major earthquakes in Spain
The last significant casualty-causing earthquake in Spain was Lorca in the Murcia region on May 11, 2011. It registered a magnitude of 5.1 and reached a depth of about 2 kilometers, causing nine deaths when a structure collapsed and debris fell from above.
Historically, there were other deadly events in 1956 in Granada towns such as Albolote and Atarfe, where buildings were toppled during a magnitude 5.0 quake.
While strong earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 7 have occurred in the past, many did not produce the same level of devastation due to depth, local geology, or building standards.
The Canaries present a different seismic scenario. This archipelago lies away from the main plate boundary, and earthquakes there are more likely to be volcanic in origin rather than tectonic plate collisions. The largest quake in the Canary Islands occurred in Tenerife in May 1989, with a magnitude around 5.3.
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Environmental agencies emphasize continuous monitoring and public education about seismic risk. Preparing homes and workplaces, updating building codes, and rehearsing emergency plans are essential parts of living in this seismically active region.