1761 Lisbon earthquake

1761 Lisbon earthquake

1761 Lisbon earthquake (North Atlantic)
Local date	31 March 1761
Local time	12:01 pm WET
Duration	8 minutes
Magnitude	8.5 Ms
Epicenter	34°30′N 13°00′W / 34.5°N 13.0°W / 34.5; -13.0
Areas affected	North Atlantic Ocean
Max. intensity	MMI IX (Violent)
Tsunami	2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in)
Aftershocks	Yes
Casualties	25[1]

The 1761 Lisbon earthquake and its subsequent tsunami occurred in the north Atlantic Ocean and south of the Iberian Peninsula. This violent shock which struck just after noon on 31 March 1761, was felt across many parts of Western Europe and in Morocco. Its direct effects were observed even far north in Scotland and Amsterdam, and to the south in the Canary Islands of Spain. The estimated surface-wave magnitude 8.5 event was the largest in the region, and the most significant earthquake in Europe since the Great Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

Records of this disaster are sparse as the Portuguese government censored much information in order to avoid panic in the already ruined city. Damage was significant in older parts of the city and among buildings damaged by the previous earthquake.