A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck near the Egyptian city of Suez early Monday, sending tremors across parts of Egypt and several neighboring countries. Authorities reported no immediate deaths, but emergency teams were activated after residents felt strong shaking in several areas.
The earthquake occurred shortly after 3am local time, according to Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics. The institute initially recorded the quake at a lower magnitude before updating the measurement to 5.6.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 38 kilometers north of Suez at a depth of around 10 kilometers. The shallow depth contributed to stronger shaking being felt across wide areas.
Residents in Cairo and other parts of Egypt reported that the movement lasted several seconds. Many people said the shaking was strong enough to wake them during the early morning hours.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences measured the earthquake at magnitude 5.4, while the United States Geological Survey recorded it at magnitude 5.0. Differences in measurements are common as international agencies use different monitoring systems and methods.
The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics said it had not received reports of major casualties or widespread destruction following the earthquake.
Egypt’s Health Ministry activated its emergency response system and opened a central crisis operations room in the New Administrative Capital near Cairo. Officials continued monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities.
The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre received more than 3,190 reports from people who felt the earthquake. Its data showed shaking across Cairo, the Nile Delta, Alexandria, and Port Said.
The tremors reached areas hundreds of kilometers away from the epicenter. Reports indicated that seismic activity was also felt outside Egypt, including in the Gaza Strip, Jordan, and Lebanon.
The Egyptian Red Crescent activated emergency plans in areas affected by the earthquake. The organization advised residents to stay away from buildings showing possible structural problems and to follow official safety instructions.
Later, the Red Crescent reported receiving several notifications about minor damage linked to the earthquake.
In Suez governorate, a balcony collapsed at a residential property. Emergency teams inspected the area and confirmed that no injuries were reported.
In Cairo’s Rod El Farag district, Red Crescent teams responded to reports of damage at a three-story building. Officials said part of the structure was affected, but no deaths or injuries occurred.
The families living inside the building were moved to relatives’ homes as a precaution. Authorities also placed safety barriers around the area to protect residents and pedestrians while inspections continued.
In Sharqia governorate, Civil Defence teams evacuated a residential building in the Ghasham area after officials found that the structure had developed a dangerous tilt following the earthquake.
Authorities continued assessing buildings and monitoring aftershocks while confirming that essential services remained operational.
The earthquake occurred during a period when several countries in the region continue to monitor seismic activity. The eastern Mediterranean has experienced occasional earthquakes due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the region.
Officials urged residents to remain alert but avoid spreading unverified information. Emergency agencies continued sharing updates as assessments were carried out.
A separate earthquake was also recorded in the region on Sunday. Jordan’s official news agency reported a 3.8-magnitude earthquake in northern Iraq near Kirkuk governorate. According to Iraqi seismic authorities, no injuries or property damage were reported.
The Egypt earthquake highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and strong monitoring systems across the Middle East. While the latest tremor caused concern among residents, authorities reported that the overall impact remained limited.
