Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Reykjanes Ridge

An earthquake measuring M5.5 was recorded at 11:37 UTC on October 28, 2026, along the Reykjanes Ridge at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles). The event’s epicenter was located at coordinates 32.2°S, 58.1°W.

The Reykjanes Ridge is a submarine volcanic ridge situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Iceland. The quake occurred in an offshore environment well away from major population centers, with the nearest landmass being Iceland to the northeast.

Given its remote, offshore location, the region mainly hosts maritime and subsea infrastructure, such as marine navigation routes and undersea cables. There are no critical onshore facilities or settlements in the immediate vicinity of the epicenter.

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 0 and there were no felt reports submitted for this event. The significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Reykjanes Ridge forms part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic plate boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates that is well known for its seismic and volcanic activity.

This information was last updated at 11:59 UTC on October 28, 2026.