Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Mid-Indian Ridge

A shallow earthquake measuring M5.5 struck the Mid-Indian Ridge at 04:55 UTC on April 4, 2026. According to data from USGS, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), with the epicenter located at 68.9°E, 21.9°S.

The event took place along the Mid-Indian Ridge, a prominent underwater mountain range in the Indian Ocean. The coordinates place the quake far from major landmasses and human settlements.

Given its location in the open ocean, there is no immediate threat to populated areas or critical infrastructure such as ports, shipping lanes, or energy facilities.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, 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 is 0, and no felt reports were received. The significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Mid-Indian Ridge is a tectonic plate boundary separating the African Plate from the Indo-Australian Plate, known for frequent moderate seismic activity due to the ongoing divergent tectonic motion.

This information was last updated at 05:20 UTC on April 4, 2026.