Granada earthquake damages buildings, no casualties reported

A 5.0-magnitude earthquake near Granada damaged buildings early Saturday, but no casualties or serious, widespread structural damage had been reported, mayor Marifran Carazo said.

Spain's National Geographical Institute said the tremor happened shortly after 1:00 am, with its epicentre in Alhendin, about 10 kilometres south of Granada.

Andalusian emergency services said they had received more than 200 calls from across the region, including Seville, Cordoba and beach resorts on the Costa del Sol. The service said cracks, fallen ledges, rubble and wall damage had been reported in some buildings.

Emergency officials urged people to keep calm, avoid facades, ledges, balconies and walls that could collapse, and not enter or leave buildings unnecessarily.

Spanish media showed rubble on streets in Granada and cars with smashed windows. Granada is known for the UNESCO-listed Alhambra palace.