5.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Egypt

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake jolted the waters off Egypt's coast early Monday, the United States Geological Survey reported. The tremor occurred at 3 a.m. local time, approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of the Suez port city.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 5.4 and measured its depth at about 10 kilometers (6 miles). The Egyptian Red Crescent has activated its emergency response plan across the governorates where the earthquake was felt, preparing for potential consequences.

While there have been no immediate reports of casualties or property damage, humanitarian organizations have advised residents to stay clear of buildings showing signs of structural weakness. Damaging earthquakes are relatively rare in northeastern Egypt. The country's deadliest seismic event in modern history occurred in October 1992, when a 5.8-magnitude quake in Cairo resulted in over 500 deaths and displaced thousands.