Shaky Granada: 4.8‑Magnitude Earthquake Causes Damage and Chaos

Sun Sep 06 2026 11:19:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 4.8 quake rattled southern Spain’s Granada, injuring three, damaging buildings, and forcing Alhambra to close.

Southern Spain’s city of Granada was shaken by a 4.8‑magnitude tremor that left three people lightly injured and caused significant damage to homes and public buildings. The quake rattled the historic Alhambra palace, which closed for safety checks and is a key attraction for millions of tourists. Local authorities reduced metro speeds to 30km/h, and authorities are monitoring for after‑shocks, part of a series of shallow tremors in the region.

What Happened?

A 4.8‑strength earthquake struck about 10km south of Granada on Tuesday morning, leaving at least three people lightly injured. The tremor, recorded by Spain’s National Geographic Institute, lasted around 10 seconds and was a few kilometers deep.

Damage & Immediate Response

The quake rattled homes, knocked over debris that damaged cars, and forced some museums, administrative buildings and sports centres to close. In the city’s metro system, trains were slowed to 30km/h for safety, causing delays.

Alhambra Palace

The famed Alhambra palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions, closed for safety checks this afternoon. Authorities said the closure was precautionary as the palace’s structure was inspected for damage.

Community Reaction

Local residents rushed from their homes into the streets, alarmed by possible aftershocks. One resident, Alfonso Malpica, felt his flat shake “stronger than usual” and shared his fear online. The quake was widely felt and marked the latest in a string of shallow tremors in the area.

The city’s emergency services and the IGN are monitoring for aftershocks, while officials urge calm and recommend checking structures before moving back home.