Egypt hit by 5.5 magnitude earthquake; tremors felt widely

Egypt was shaken by a 5.5 magnitude earthquake early Monday morning, with tremors felt across a significant territory stretching from Cairo to El-Arish, near the Gaza Strip border. The epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers north of the city of Suez, according to the Egyptian National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research. The quake occurred at a shallow depth. Initial reports indicated a magnitude of 5.2, but the U.S. Geological Survey later revised it to 5.0. Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar ordered the activation of nationwide emergency response plans, instructing ambulance services to maintain the highest level of readiness. As of now, the Ministry of Health and the Egyptian Red Crescent have reported no casualties or significant damages. However, the Red Crescent urged residents to stay clear of old and dilapidated buildings, which are common in some of Cairo's working-class districts. Strong earthquakes are relatively rare in this Northeast African nation. The most devastating earthquake in recent Egyptian history occurred in October 1992, a 5.8 magnitude tremor that struck the capital, killing over 500 people and leaving thousands homeless.

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Highest level of readiness.