Two Earthquakes Strike Portugal Minutes Apart – Here is the Full Damage Report

LISBON — Residents across central Portugal were jolted by two significant earthquakes that struck just 120 seconds apart on Thursday afternoon. The back-to-back seismic events, both measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale, occurred near Alenquer and Vila Franca de Xira, sending waves of vibrations through the Lisbon district.

The Initial Impact of the Earthquakes in Portugal

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) tracked the twin events to epicenters near Alenquer and Vila Franca de Xira. While a 4.1 magnitude is considered “light,” the shallow depth of just 2 to 15 kilometers made the vibrations feel significantly stronger. In Alenquer, the intensity reached Level V, causing hanging objects to swing and windows to rattle loudly.

Later that afternoon, the region recorded two smaller aftershocks measuring 2.2 and 2.4. These secondary tremors added to the tension but were much weaker than the initial mid-day shocks. Experts noted that while the shaking was widespread, it fell within the expected range for this active tectonic boundary.

Official Damage Report for Earthquakes

As of Thursday evening, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) confirmed that there are no reports of personal injuries or major material damage. Emergency teams have finished their first round of inspections, finding that infrastructure remains intact. It’s a major relief for the capital, which has stayed on high alert following a larger 5.3 magnitude quake in 2025.

Authorities are still urging caution for those living in hilly areas. They’ve highlighted that recent heavy rains have made some slopes unstable, increasing the risk of landslides triggered by even minor ground movement. If you’re in an affected zone, officials recommend staying away from old walls or buildings with visible cracks until a full assessment is finished.

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