A 5.6-magnitude earthquake was felt across Cairo, Giza and several other parts of Egypt in the early hours of Monday, August 3, 2026, prompting emergency monitoring across the country.
According to Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, the tremor struck at approximately 3:00 a.m. local time, with its epicentre located around 38 kilometres from Suez. The institute initially gave a lower preliminary reading before revising the magnitude to 5.6.
Tremors Felt Across Greater Cairo
Residents across Greater Cairo and several governorates reported feeling the shaking for a number of seconds, with many taking to social media shortly after the quake.
Despite the widespread tremor, authorities said there was no major structural damage and no disruption to essential services. Some limited incidents were later reported in older buildings, including partial wall and balcony collapses in parts of Cairo and Beheira.
Officials moved quickly to inspect affected buildings and secure sites where necessary.
One Injury Reported Nationwide
Egypt’s Ministry of Health later confirmed that one person was injured as a result of the earthquake.
The individual received the necessary medical care and was discharged after their condition improved. No other earthquake-related injuries had been recorded nationwide at the time of the ministry’s update.
Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar activated the ministry’s emergency response plan immediately after the tremor, placing hospitals, emergency departments, intensive care units and ambulance services on heightened readiness.
Emergency Rooms Activated Across Egypt
The Ministry of Health’s central crisis and emergency operations room in the New Administrative Capital was connected with emergency units in governorates across the country to monitor any developments around the clock.
Hospitals were instructed to ensure the availability of medical supplies, blood reserves, oxygen and rapid-response teams as a precaution.
The ministry also urged citizens to remain calm, follow public safety instructions and rely on information released by official authorities rather than unverified reports circulating online.
Transport Services Continue Normally
Egypt’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that the earthquake did not affect the country’s transport network.
Rail services continued according to schedule, while Cairo Metro lines, the Light Rail Transit system, the East Nile Monorail and public buses remained operational. Ports, logistics zones, roads and bridges were also reported to be functioning normally.
Transport authorities nevertheless maintained heightened readiness following the quake and continued monitoring infrastructure for any delayed signs of damage.
Limited Damage to Older Buildings
Local authorities reported a small number of incidents involving older structures.
In Cairo’s Rod El-Farag district, sections of interior walls collapsed inside an old building, although no injuries were recorded. Residents were evacuated as a precaution while officials assessed the structure.
Authorities also inspected another older property in the Wayli district, while in Beheira’s Hosh Eissa, part of a balcony fell from an unoccupied house.
These incidents remained isolated, with officials reporting no widespread damage across the country.
Authorities Continue Monitoring the Situation
While Egypt is not considered to lie within one of the world’s major seismic belts, earthquakes originating in surrounding regions can still be felt across the country.
Following the August 3 tremor, government agencies continued monitoring hospitals, infrastructure and buildings to ensure public safety.
With only one injury reported and limited damage recorded, the earthquake caused widespread concern but did not result in a major emergency. Authorities have continued to advise the public to remain calm and follow official updates should any further seismic activity occur.
