Lisbon Earthquake: Is This a Warning Sign for the Big One?
A moderate earthquake hit Lisbon, Portugal, and sent shockwaves across the region, with many fearing that it could be a warning sign for a more powerful seismic event. The 4.2 Richter scale earthquake was felt across the Portuguese capital, causing panic and prompting emergency services to move into action.
Although the damage was comparatively small, the earthquake was a harsh reminder of the seismic danger confronting the area. Lisbon, which lies close to the edge of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, is rated as a high-risk area for earthquakes. The fact that the city is close to the San Andreas Fault-like feature, the Azores-Gibraltar Fault Zone, exposes it to strong quakes.
The earthquake also reminded people of the destructive 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which destroyed the city and killed thousands. That disaster, which is estimated to have been around 8.5-9.0 in magnitude, was one of the deadliest earthquakes ever, and its effects were felt throughout Europe.
Seismologists are cautioning that the area is in line for a major earthquake, sometimes called the "Big One." The Azores-Gibraltar Fault Zone is powerful enough to trigger huge earthquakes, and the pressure is rising year after year. Although it's not possible to say for sure when and where the next significant earthquake will strike, the recent earthquakes in Lisbon are a good reminder of the value of preparation and disaster mitigation.
Portugal has in recent years made efforts to enhance its earthquake readiness, such as the introduction of early warning systems and frequent drills. Yet there is still much to be done to make the country ready for a large-scale seismic event.
As Lisbon and neighboring residents start rebuilding and recovering from the recent earthquake, they are also left wondering about the possibility of an even larger disaster lurking on the horizon. Though danger from the "Big One" is always possible, it is essential that government agencies, emergency workers, and citizens themselves are proactive and remain aware of dangers presented by seismic activity.