Seismic Activity Reported Near Angra do Heroismo
A moderate seismic event, confirmed as an earthquake, occurred near Angra do Heroismo, on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal, on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The tremor was registered at approximately 9:54 PM local time (Atlantic/Azores GMT -1).
Details of the Tremor
The earthquake was initially reported with a magnitude of 4.1 by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), before being revised to 3.9 by VolcanoDiscovery. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) also reported a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale for a seismic event at the same time. The epicenter was located approximately 13 kilometers northwest of Angra do Heroismo, and about 4 kilometers East-Northeast of Doze Ribeiras, a parish within the municipality of Angra do Heroismo. The quake occurred at a very shallow depth of around 2.8 kilometers, which contributed to it being widely felt across the region.
Impact and Public Response
Despite its moderate magnitude, the shallow depth of the earthquake meant it was widely felt by residents. Reports indicate that people in Angra do Heroismo, a town with 12,000 inhabitants, likely experienced light shaking. Stronger shaking, with an intensity of up to V on the Modified Mercalli Scale, was reported in closer towns such as Santa Barbara, Sao Bartolomeu, Biscoitos, and Sao Mateus. An intensity V event is characterized by being felt outside, waking people, causing liquids to oscillate, and small unstable objects to move or fall. Fortunately, there have been no reports of significant personal injuries or material damage.
Ongoing Seismic-Volcanic Activity
This recent earthquake is part of an ongoing period of seismic activity affecting Terceira Island. The Centro de Informação e Vigilância Sismovulcânica dos Açores (CIVISA) has noted that the island has been experiencing a 'sismovolcanic crisis' since June 2022. The region frequently experiences smaller tremors, with multiple quakes recorded in the days leading up to this event. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
11 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
No significant damage is always the best outcome for these events.
Eric Cartman
The Azores are so resilient; they handle these tremors with grace.
Stan Marsh
No major damage *this time* doesn't mean they're safe. What about next?
Eric Cartman
They call it moderate, but 'strong shaking' means people were terrified.
Stan Marsh
The article notes people felt strong shaking, which indicates a significant event for those on the ground, even if the magnitude was revised down. It's a reminder that magnitude doesn't always reflect immediate human experience and fear.
anubis
While it's a relief there were no significant injuries, the shallow depth and ongoing seismic activity are definitely concerning for residents. It highlights the constant underlying risk in the region.
ytkonos
The fact that authorities are monitoring the 'sismovolcanic crisis' is somewhat reassuring, yet the continuous tremors must be incredibly stressful for the local population. They live with constant uncertainty about the next event.
KittyKat
An 'ongoing sismovolcanic crisis' since 2022? That's seriously alarming!
dedus mopedus
Although this earthquake was moderate and caused no significant harm, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of island nations to natural disasters. Preparedness plans need to be continuously updated and practiced.
paracelsus
Good to know the reporting was quick and clear. Reassuring for residents.
eliphas
Thank goodness no one was hurt! Great to see authorities are monitoring.