The quake in the Mediterranean was recorded at 4.22am UK time almost 40 miles north of the Moroccan city of Al Hoceima and 100 miles south of Gibraltar. It was followed by a 5.3-magnitude tremor.
The USGS said its initial impact assessment suggested there was 'a low likelihood of casualties and damage'. In February 2004 a strong 6.3 earthquake that hit near Al Hoceima killed 631 people.
It comes one day after an even stronger 6.8 magnitude quake struck southern Alaska yesterday, which saw several neighbourhoods evacuated after a gas explosion damaged four homes.
Malaga is a hugely popular tourist destination for millions of Britons, with temperatures in the coastal city around the 16C to 18C mark this week - which will be up to 10C warmer than London.
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