5.6 Magnitude Quake Jolts Egypt, Triggers Nationwide Emergency Response
By VANCE SHERIFF
A powerful earthquake rattled eastern Egypt on Monday. It marked the country’s strongest seismic event in more than 30 years. Authorities immediately activated emergency response plans to assess the impact and protect residents.
The tremor struck in the early hours of the day. It was initially measured at magnitude 5.6 before seismic agencies revised the strength downward. Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics placed the epicentre about 40 kilometres north of Suez. It also recorded five aftershocks. The United States Geological Survey later estimated the quake at magnitude 5.0.
The earthquake shook a wide stretch of the country. Residents in Cairo felt the tremor. Reports also confirmed that the shaking reached Al-Arish near Egypt’s border with the Gaza Strip. Many people rushed outdoors as buildings swayed briefly.
Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar ordered emergency agencies into action. Ambulance services moved to maximum readiness. Emergency teams inspected public infrastructure and monitored vulnerable communities for possible damage.
Authorities evacuated three families from a building in Cairo’s Rod al-Farag district after officials feared it could collapse. In Suez, the Egyptian Red Crescent responded to reports of a collapsed balcony close to the earthquake’s epicentre. Rescue workers urged residents to avoid ageing and structurally weak buildings, which remain common in many densely populated neighbourhoods.
Despite the widespread tremor, officials reported only one injury. No fatalities were recorded. Emergency authorities continued damage assessments while monitoring for additional aftershocks.
The incident renewed concerns about disaster preparedness and the structural condition of older buildings across Egypt. Officials said emergency teams would remain on alert until seismic activity subsides.
