Madeira Earthquake in 2022 & 2020
Did you know? Madeira experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake on February 16, 2022. It was strong enough to wake people up, but fortunately, there was only minimal damage and no injuries reported. Just two years earlier, Funchal had experienced its strongest earthquake in recent history, registering a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale. These occurrences were one of many earthquakes in recent years, raising the question: is Madeira in danger of earthquakes?
A total of 31 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km (186 mi) of Madeira, Portugal in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 3 earthquakes per year
Historical Perspective: The Impact of the 1975 Earthquake
Reflecting on history, the island faced a significant earthquake on May 31, 1975, with an epicentral location 350 kilometers north of Funchal and a magnitude of 8.1. Despite the considerable distance, the effects on the archipelago were substantial, reaching an intensity of grade VI on the Mercalli intensity scale.
For comparison: the earthquake in Turkey and Syria that caused over 50,000 casualties on February 2023 had a magnitude of 7.8. The potential consequences of a similar event directly impacting Madeira? Nobody can tell, but severe repercussions must be counted in.
Madeira's Unique Geological Position
Situated far off the western edge of the Circum-Pacific seismic belt, also known as the Ring of Fire, Madeira experiences a distinct tectonic environment. It is shaped by its volcanic hotspot origins, its location on the African plate near a complex plate boundary region, and the broader tectonic dynamics of the Atlantic Ocean. While the Ring of Fire is responsible for about 81% of the world's largest earthquakes, Madeira Island's location far off the western edge contributes to a generally stable tectonic plate.
Madeira has a Geological Advantage
One thing is certain, there is hope, as Madeira's geology plays a role in its seismic resilience. Unlike other regions more prone to earthquakes, the island has a relatively smaller number of faults capable of producing seismic events. The presence of active faults is a major factor contributing to earthquake risk, as they represent potential sources of seismic energy release.
Madeira's Earthquake Risk in Perspective
To sum up, Madeira generally experiences fewer earthquakes than other parts of the world. The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) suggests that the island has a low to moderate likelihood of facing a significant earthquake in the next five decades, estimating about a 2% probability of a magnitude 7 or higher event.
ThinkHazard's Insight: Low Probability
ThinkHazard.org therefore estimates a less than 2% chance of potentially damaging earthquake shaking in Madeira over the next 50 years. This low probability is somehow reassuring. However, earthquake patterns naturally vary, and it's conceivable that Madeira is currently in a period of increased seismic activity.
1969: Largest Earthquake in Centuries Hits Portugal
As for the nationwide perspective. the earthquake that hit western Portugal on February 28, 1969 stands as the most powerful earthquake to strike the country since the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8 and a maximum felt intensity of VII on the Mercalli intensity scale. The earthquake resulted in 13 fatalities and many injuries.
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