Magnitude 5.5 quake strikes near Suez, felt in Cairo

A moderate earthquake struck northeastern Egypt early Monday, August 3, 2026, shaking residents awake across a wide area including the capital, Cairo, and prompting authorities to activate emergency response plans. No casualties or significant damage were immediately reported.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. local time. According to Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, the tremor registered a magnitude of 5.5 and was centered about 40 kilometers north of the city of Suez. The United States Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 5.0. The quake was shallow, with depths reported between 6 and 10 kilometers, a factor that can intensify shaking at the surface. Tremors were felt across Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal region, and several Egyptian governorates, with reports of noticeable ground movement reaching as far as El-Arish near the Gaza Strip and into Palestine.

Residents described being shaken awake, with some reporting that their houses shook powerfully. Many took to social media to share their experiences, with some describing buildings shaking in an unnatural way. Several Android phone users reported receiving automated...