Rabat – A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Egypt early Monday, prompting emergency authorities to activate response plans as tremors were felt in several parts of the country, including Greater Cairo.
According to Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, the earthquake was measured at magnitude 5.6, and occurred at 3.00 a.m. local time. The institute said the epicenter was located 38 kilometers north of Suez, with a depth of 10 kilometers. Earlier information placed the epicenter about 61 kilometers northeast of Sharm El-Sheikh.
The Egyptian Red Crescent said it activated its emergency plan in the cities where residents reported feeling the tremor. It added that it had not received any reports of injuries or damage to property as authorities continued assessing the situation.
The organization also urged people to avoid old buildings or structures showing visible cracks and to follow updates issued by official authorities.
Data published after the main shock showed several smaller aftershocks in the same area north of Suez. Their magnitudes ranged from 1.7 to 3.0, while the monitoring network recorded the main earthquake at magnitude 5.46.
According to Palestinian news agency WAFA, Cairo International Airport operations were continuing normally after inspections confirmed that passenger terminals and operational facilities were safe.
Al Arabiya also reported that the tremor was felt in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Cyprus.
