In a note sent to newsrooms, according to the Azores Seismology Institute (CIVISA), the earthquake was recorded at 8.51 a.m. local time (9.51 a.m. in Lisbon), with epicentre about 30km west of Capelo, on the island of Faial.

"According to the information available so far, the earthquake was felt with maximum intensity IV/V (Modified Mercalli scale) in the parishes of Capelo, Castelo Branco and Feteira (municipality of Horta, Faial island),” the Civil Protection of the Azores said.

It was also felt with intensity IV in the parishes of Praia do Norte and Matriz (municipality of Horta) and with intensity III in the parishes of Santa Luzia and São Roque do Pico, already in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, on Pico island.

The CIVISA continues to monitor the evolution of the situation.

Since 3 November the western area of Faial has been experiencing an increase in seismic activity.

According to the IPMA, earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), light (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme (over 10).