Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Khovd region, Mongolia (Updated)

An earthquake measuring M5.5 was recorded at 04:23 UTC on April 26, 2026, approximately 163 km (101 miles) southeast of Khovd, Mongolia, at a depth of 11.0 km (6.8 miles).

The epicenter was located at coordinates 93.0°E, 46.9°N, placing the event in an inland region southeast of the city of Khovd, within western Mongolia. This area features sparsely populated steppe zones and remote settlements.

Given the remote inland location, the vicinity is characterized by limited critical infrastructure, though regional road networks and small airstrips or utility lines may exist to support rural communities.

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 was VII on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. Two felt reports were submitted, and the significance index is 466 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Western Mongolia is part of the broader Central Asian seismic belt, where active deformation results from the complex interactions between the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Moderate earthquakes are not uncommon in this region due to its active tectonic setting.

This information was last updated at 15:47 UTC on April 26, 2026.