Earthquake detected near Mayotte

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake was detected off the coast of Mayotte during the night of Monday, October 26, to Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The event occurred at 1:33 a.m. local time, which corresponds to 22:33 UTC on Monday, October 26.

Epicenter and depth details

The epicenter was located at 12.46 degrees south latitude and 46.13 degrees east longitude, approximately 102 kilometers east-northeast of Dzaoudzi. According to the Volcanological and Seismological Monitoring Network of Mayotte (REVOSIMA), the earthquake's focus was located at a depth of 76 kilometers, with a hypocentral distance of approximately 127 kilometers from Dzaoudzi.

Tremor intensity and local effects

The tremor was generally weakly felt, with an average ground acceleration of 3.9 mg, corresponding to a macroseismic intensity level III. However, depending on local soil conditions, the intensity could have reached levels IV to V in certain areas, indicating more clearly perceptible tremors. The REVOSIMA noted that these preliminary data may evolve with more detailed calculations.

Warning for potential aftershocks

The network called for vigilance regarding the possibility of further tremors, stating that aftershocks are likely to occur. This warning is based on the region's history, including the 2018 seismic-volcanic crisis, which involved a swarm of earthquakes and the emergence of the Fani Maore underwater volcano.

Event comparison and monitoring

The October 27 earthquake differs from the 2018 event in terms of depth and distance from the archipelago. Continued monitoring will help better characterize the event and determine if other tremors follow.