El Bierzo earthquake of magnitude 4.2 shakes León and surrounding regions

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck the El Bierzo region in the province of León, Spain, on the night of October 15, 2026. The tremor, recorded by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) at 22:34, had its epicenter near the municipality of Benuza at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers.

The seismic event was felt widely across several regions, including parts of Galicia (notably Ourense and Lugo), Asturias, and the provincial capital of León. Residents in towns such as Ponferrada, Astorga, and O Barco de Valdeorras reported vibrations, with some describing sounds resembling a loud rumble or a whistling noise.

Following the main shock, multiple aftershocks with magnitudes ranging between 1.3 and 2.4 were recorded in the area. Despite the widespread sensation of the tremor, emergency services and local authorities, including the Director General of Civil Protection of Castilla y León, Irene Cortés, reported no casualties or significant structural damage. Minor superficial issues, such as small cracks in pavement or fallen tree branches, were noted in some localities.