Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits near Mek’ele, Ethiopia (Updated)
A shallow M5.6 earthquake was registered at 16:18 UTC on October 11, 2025, approximately 53 km (33 miles) northeast of Mek’ele, Ethiopia. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), according to data provided by USGS.
The coordinates of the event (13.8°N, 39.9°E) place it inland, in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, northeast of the regional capital Mek’ele. This area is characterized by moderately populated urban centers surrounded by rural settlements.
Critical infrastructure in the affected region may include regional highways, local road networks, and essential services supporting Mek’ele and surrounding towns.
This earthquake occurred inland, and there is no tsunami threat associated with this event, based on its location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity reached VII, with 3 felt reports received. The significance index is 484 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Northern Ethiopia lies near the northern end of the East African Rift, a tectonically active region where the African plate is undergoing extension, resulting in periodic moderate seismic activity.
This information was last updated at 18:16 UTC on October 11, 2025.