Lisbon Shaken: Earthquake Risks Rise in Southern Europe

On a Monday morning at 5:11 am, a moderate earthquake struck Lisbon, Portugal, causing panic among residents who are still haunted by the catastrophic 1755 earthquake. The tremors were felt as far away as Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco, highlighting the widespread impact of seismic activity in the region. The earthquake's epicenter was located 84 km from Lisbon, and the city's oceanic and atmospheric agency experienced a system crash shortly after the event, complicating response efforts. Many buildings in Lisbon were constructed before the implementation of anti-seismic regulations in the 1980s, raising concerns about potential damage in the event of a major earthquake. Residents are accustomed to emergency drills, including tsunami alarms and safety instructions for children, as they remain vigilant about aftershocks and other seismic risks. Just a week prior, residents received text alerts advising them to be cautious and prepared for possible aftershocks. Research indicates that the climate crisis exacerbates earthquake risks, with rising sea levels and stronger storms potentially triggering seismic events and related disasters like landslides and tsunamis. Even minor changes in pressure from lakes or reservoirs can lead to seismic slips, making the situation more precarious. Seismologists warn that the earthquakes threatening southern Europe are significantly more powerful than those experienced in the UK, where earthquakes are often dismissed as unlikely hazards. The lack of reliable prediction methods for earthquakes emphasizes the need for international cooperation in disaster response and preparedness, as demonstrated by historical events like the 1908 earthquake in Sicily.