Earthquake hits Egypt near Suez

An earthquake struck eastern Egypt in the early hours of Monday, August 3, 2026, causing widespread alarm among residents in Cairo and surrounding regions. The seismic event occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. local time. While the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) registered the magnitude at 5.0, other agencies reported varying figures; for instance, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) estimated it at 5.4, and reports in some media suggested a 5.5 magnitude. The epicenter was localized approximately 38 to 41 kilometers northeast of Suez.

The tremor was felt as far away as Alexandria and areas near the Gaza border. Egyptian authorities, including the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research, have confirmed there are no reports of casualties or major material damage thus far. Despite the lack of structural destruction, many citizens gathered in streets out of fear of aftershocks. The Ministry of Health, led by Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has placed emergency services on high alert as a precautionary measure.

While strong earthquakes are relatively unusual in Egypt, this incident brings to mind the historic 1992 quake, which measured 5.8 magnitude and resulted in over 500 fatalities in Cairo. Ongoing monitoring by local geological institutes continues as they process data from seismological stations to assess the situation.