Measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale, the earthquake was recorded at 1:19 am. The tremor’s epicentre was located around eight kilometres northeast of Vila do Bispo, said the IPMA.

An earthquake measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale was recorded this morning in the Algarve, reported the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

IPMA said that the earthquake, with its epicentre located around eight kilometres northeast of Vila do Bispo, was recorded at 1:19 am at the Continente Seismic Network stations.

“Until the preparation of this statement, no information had been received confirming that this earthquake had been felt,” added the institute, stressing that, if necessary, it will issue new statements.

Earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), slight (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).