An earthquake has struck two popular holiday destinations, prompting scientists to provide an update on volcanic activity. In Tenerife and Gran Canaria, residents are advised not to panic following the 4.1 magnitude tremor that was felt by thousands. The earthquake, occurring at 12:26 pm at a depth of 10km today, caused rooms to vibrate and furniture to shake. IGN volcanologist Rubén López noted that while seismic swarms have been occurring in Tenerife’s Mount Teide area for the past two weeks, this earthquake is unrelated and does not indicate an imminent eruption.

The National Geographic Institute confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude at 4.1 in the vicinity of the Enmedio Volcano, situated between Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The seismic activity was widely felt across various parts of both islands, generating numerous reports due to its intensity and depth.

Residents described feeling the quake for around ten seconds, with one resident in Agaete, Gran Canaria, mentioning that the house shook notably, starting with a door-like sound and escalating to a significant movement.

The earthquake affected over 100 towns on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, including popular tourist spots like Los Cristianos and Las Palmas. Fortunately, no significant material or personal damages have been reported. Scientists are closely monitoring the seismic activity under Mount Teide and are scheduled to convene tomorrow to analyze the ongoing vibrations.

Authorities emphasize that there are no immediate signs of an eruption in the near future, as the expected indicators would be distinct. Nevertheless, they recommend that all municipalities in Tenerife update their emergency protocols, drawing parallels to Iceland’s preparedness for volcanic events. The Tenerife government reassures residents that the island has a comprehensive monitoring system in place, alleviating concerns about any imminent threats.

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