1522 Almería earthquake
1850 illustration of the 1522 earthquake | |
| Local date | 22 September 1522 |
|---|---|
| Local time | 13:40 |
| Magnitude | 6.8–7.0 Mw |
| Depth | 1.0 km (0.62 mi) |
| Epicenter | 36°35′N 2°23′W / 36.59°N 2.39°W |
| Areas affected | Almería, Spain |
| Max. intensity | MMI X (Extreme) – MMI XI (Extreme) |
| Casualties | 2,500 dead |
The 1522 Almería earthquake (Spanish: Terremoto de Almería de 1522) was a major seismic event estimated to be 6.8–7.0 Mw that occurred on 22 September. The epicenter was in the capital of Almeria in the Andarax Valley, near Alhama de Almería. It had a maximum felt intensity of X–XI (Extreme) on the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS), and killed about 2,500 people, making it among the most destructive seismic events in Spanish history.
The city of Almería was destroyed, and there was serious destruction in 80 other towns. In Granada large cracks were observed in various walls and towers. Some damage also occurred at the Alhambra, more than 100 kilometers away from the epicenter.