Costa Blanca Earthquake Shakes Buildings, Causes Panic

A 2.8 magnitude earthquake shook the Costa Blanca region of Spain, particularly affecting the town of Torrevieja, where both locals and tourists reported feeling significant tremors at around midnight. Many residents described being 'almost thrown out of bed' and noted it was among the strongest quakes they had experienced. The epicenter was located offshore, approximately five kilometers from Torrevieja, and the tremor was felt in several surrounding areas, including Orihuela Costa and Guardamar del Segura. While reports indicated that the vibrations were moderate and caused no significant damage, the event raised alarms during the busy Easter holiday season. The earthquake was classified between levels II and IV on the European Macroseismic Scale, indicating that it was felt indoors by many but caused minimal outdoor impact. The region is historically recognized for its seismic activity, prompting updated building codes to enhance safety in construction.