In a statement, the IPMA said that the earthquake, with an epicentre 20 kilometres south-southeast of Benavente, was recorded at 3:45am at the stations of the Seismic Network of the mainland.

This quake did not cause any personal injury or property damage and was felt with a maximum intensity of III on the modified Mercalli scale in the municipality of Benavente.

On 8 July, an earthquake was also registered in the Mainland Seismic Network in Alcobaça, in the district of Leiria, having caused no personal injury or property damage.

According to IPMA, the quake was registered at 11:59pm in the stations of the Mainland Seismic Network and its epicentre was located near Alcobaça.

The earthquake was felt with a maximum intensity of III on the modified Mercalli scale.

Earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), mild (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme (greater than 10).

The maximum intensity II on the modified Mercalli scale means that the quake was "felt by people resting on the upper floors of buildings".

Photo:Jsobral