After the 6.4 Quake: A Look Back at Egypt’s Biggest Earthquakes
On May 14, 2025, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck with tremors felt in Cairo and other governorates. Thankfully, there are no reports of serious damage or injury, but it did bring earthquakes back into public focus.
Egypt may not shake often, but history shows it has faced powerful quakes before. Here’s a look at some of the most significant.
1. May 14, 2025: Magnitude 6.4
Origin: Crete
In the early hours of May 14, residents in Cairo and several governorates felt a relatively strong earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale. The tremor, which lasted less than 20 seconds, originated 631 km north of Rashid, with the epicenter located near Crete.
While the quake was widely felt, no injuries or property damage were reported. Two smaller aftershocks followed, with the strongest measuring 4.26. The National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research confirmed the event and emphasized that there is currently no reason for concern.
2. November 22, 1995: Magnitude 7.2
Origin: Gulf of Aqaba
Another powerful earthquake in Egypt’s history was the one that originated in the Gulf of Aqaba on November 22, 1995. It registered at 7.2 on the Richter scale, making it the strongest quake in the region’s recorded history.
Though its epicenter sat near Nuweiba, the tremors were felt across southern Egypt, Sinai, and even neighboring countries. While the death toll was low, the quake was a wake-up call about the seismic risks along the Red Sea and the fault lines running beneath it.
3. October 12, 1992: Magnitude 5.8
Origin: Near Dahshur
On October 12, 1992, a powerful earthquake struck near Dahshur, about 35 km southwest of Cairo. Though it lasted just about 30 seconds, the 5.8-magnitude quake caused severe damage, killing 545 people, injuring over 6,500, and leaving around 50,000 homeless.
Entire buildings collapsed, with 350 destroyed and thousands more damaged, including 216 mosques and 350 schools. Besides that, aftershocks continued for four days. To this day, it remains the most destructive earthquake to hit Cairo since 1847.
4. March 1969: Magnitude 6.9
Origin: Red Sea
In 1969, a strong earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck Shadwan Island in the Red Sea. Though centered offshore, its tremors were felt across all of Egypt’s governorates, as well as in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Palestine.
The quake caused noticeable cracks along parts of the Red Sea floor, raising concerns about regional seismic activity. Despite its strength and wide impact, it did not result in any reported casualties, making it one of the few cases of a major quake with no human loss.
5. 1847: Estimated 5.0 to 5.9
Origin: Faiyum
In 1847, a devastating earthquake struck Faiyum and extended across Egypt. It killed 85 people and injured 62 in Faiyum alone, while 100 were killed in Cairo, where thousands of homes collapsed. Plus, another 27 people died in Middle Egypt.
In total, thousands were injured, and over 3,000 homes, along with many mosques, were destroyed nationwide. Plus, Alexandria also reported damage.
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