The 1829 Torrevieja earthquake occurred near the city of Torrevieja, Province of Alicante of southern Spain on 21 March 1829. It had an estimated magnitude of 6.6 Mw and a Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). It severely damaged many cities. The event was named after the city of Torrevieja because it was the largest locality to be affected.
Earthquake
In the southern province of Alicante, the period between 1820 and 1830 was the most seismically active, affecting the Bajo Segura seismotectonic line which has three major faults: the Benejúzar-Benijófar, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja faults. In general, the Alicante coast sank about 10 m (33 ft) across the Torrevieja fault.
From 13 September 1828 to 21 March 1829, there were a series of earthquakes in the area estimated at more than two hundred. At 18:10 on 21 March 1829 an earthquake occurred, measuring 6.6 Mw and assigned a maximum intensity of IX (Violent).
Damage and casualties
At least 2,965 houses were totally destroyed and 2,396 were damaged. Destruction of bridges over the Segura river in Almoradi, Benejúzar, Dolores and Guardamar was reported. Hundreds of people were killed, half of them in Almoradí.
