Melilla assesses building damage following earthquake

Melilla is now assessing the cost of damage done to buildings following an earthquake in the early hours of the morning.

The quake took place in the Mediterranean Sea, around 48 miles north-west of the Spanish city, which is located on the north Coast of Africa, next to Monaco.

The US Geological Survey measured the quake at 6.3 on the Richter scale. It struck at 5.22am local time and was followed by multiple aftershocks, including a tremor measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale.

Melilla government president Juan Jose Imbroda told Cadena Ser radio that there had been no major injuries, as most people were indoors at that time of the morning.

Inside the homes, lamps and furniture moved, with mirrors and glass bottles reportedly falling and breaking. 26 people were injured as a result of their attempts to leave their homes quickly, although the emergency services told Diario Sur that they were all "discharged after being treated".

On the outside, some damage was evident to buildings, with chunks of concrete breaking off apartment buildings

The Palace of the Assembly of Melilla was closed due to cracks in its facade, specifically the two towers in its Centre. These are now being evaluated by technicians, as local administrative processes have been impacted.

Emergency services in Andalucia said they had recieved 250 calls from alarmed residents, but USGS said there was "a low likelihood of casualties and damage".

The tremors, though, were felt throughout the region, as far as in the cities of Malaga, Cordoba, Seville and Granada.

In total, up to 200 homes suffered damage, reports Sky News, with schools closed today so that their structures can be inspected.

Mill Taylor posted on Twitter: "Gosh, the earthquake in Malaga woke my mum up and they live in the countryside. Dad slept through it, obvs."

Photo: GonzalezNovo