A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the Granada region of Spain, killing 12 people and destroying the towns of Atarfe and Albolote.
Key Facts
- Magnitude
- 5.0 Mw
- Epicentral Intensity
- VIII (Modified Mercalli)
- Hypocentral Depth
- 6.3 km
- Deaths
- 12 people
- Injuries
- 60 people
- Aftershock Period
- 19 April – 8 May 1956
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The earthquake originated at a shallow hypocentral depth of 6.3 km beneath the area between Sierra Elvira and Granada in southern Spain, a seismically active zone. The shallow focus contributed to the high epicentral intensity of VIII, amplifying surface shaking across a wide area.
On 19 April 1956 at 18:38 CEST, a magnitude 5.0 Mw earthquake struck the Province of Granada, Spain. The towns of Atarfe and Albolote were severely damaged, and Santa Fe, Maracena, and neighborhoods in Granada city were also badly affected. Twelve people died and 60 were injured during the event.
The earthquake left widespread destruction across several towns near Granada and triggered rockfalls in Sierra Elvira and landslides along the Beiro River. Numerous aftershocks continued from 19 April through 8 May, prolonging disruption and preventing recovery efforts in the most affected communities.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 12 (earthquake)