Shallow tremor early Monday causes no reported casualties or damage as Red Crescent activates emergency response.
A shallow earthquake measuring 5.4 in magnitude struck near the Egyptian city of Suez early on Monday morning, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), prompting the Egyptian Red Crescent to activate its emergency response plan across affected governorates.
The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles) just after 3:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), roughly 38 kilometres (24 miles) north of Suez. Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics recorded a slightly higher magnitude of 5.6 at the same location.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. The Egyptian Red Crescent confirmed it had mobilised emergency teams in the governorates where the quake was felt and urged residents to stay away from any buildings showing signs of structural damage while following updates from authorities.
Earthquake Tremors Felt Across Egypt and Neighboring Countries:
Tremors were reported across parts of Egypt, including areas near Cairo, and were felt in neighbouring countries including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and the occupied Palestinian territories, according to regional accounts. Residents in several cities described being woken by the shaking, which lasted for several moments.
Damaging earthquakes are relatively uncommon in Egypt, though the country has experienced significant seismic events in the past. The deadliest in modern history struck near Cairo in October 1992 with a magnitude of 5.8, killing more than 500 people and leaving thousands homeless.
Authorities continued to assess the situation on Monday as emergency services remained on alert. Seismological agencies, including the GFZ and Egypt’s national research institute, monitored the region for possible aftershocks.
The earthquake took place in a region influenced by the complex tectonics of the Gulf of Suez and the broader Red Sea rift system, where moderate seismic activity occasionally occurs. Initial reports indicated the event produced light to moderate shaking near the epicentre, with weaker effects felt farther afield.