Safe zones and evacuation routes: Marbella approves action plans in case of earthquakes and tsunamis

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Civil Protection of Andalucía gives its approval to the documents, which "closes the circle of emergency planning"

José Carlos García

Marbella

Thursday, 23 April 2026, 14:23

Marbella has taken a definitive step toward becoming what it calls "one of the safest coastal destinations in Spain" by approving a comprehensive local action plan designed to tackle the threats of earthquakes and tsunamis.

While local authorities are quick to reassure the public that there is no immediate danger, the municipality is proactively swapping improvisation for precision. Through this new framework, the city has mapped out exactly how to intervene, where to go, and who to call the moment the ground shakes or the sea recedes.

Earthquake readiness (seismic risk)

The seismic plan focuses on the reality that Marbella sits in an area of moderate seismic risk. Although many tremors go unnoticed by the public, the plan ensures the city isn't caught off guard

• Vulnerability Mapping: Identification of the most sensitive areas and a catalogue of critical buildings.

• Infrastructure Inventory: A list of buildings and human resources that require priority attention.

• Protocols: Specific action steps for emergency responders to follow immediately after a quake.

• Regulations: Fire Chief Medardo Tudela emphasised that Spanish building codes are already designed with seismic resistance to withstand expected tremors.

The initiative, spearheaded by municipal engineers and the Marbella fire service, recently received the green light from Civil Protection of Andalucía. Public Safety Councillor José Eduardo Díaz noted that the plan was born from a desire to "anticipate emergencies and guarantee a coordinated, effective, and rapid response."

By formalising these routes and safe zones, Marbella joins a select group of Andalusian municipalities with specific, high-level protections against maritime risks.

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