Earthquake recorded off Mayotte

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake was recorded during the night of Monday, October 26, to Tuesday, October 27, 2026, off the coast of Mayotte. The event occurred at 22:33 UTC, which corresponds to 1:33 local time, with its epicenter approximately 102 km east-northeast of Dzaoudzi, at a depth of 76 km.

Magnitude and intensity assessment

According to REVOSIMA, the earthquake is classified as moderate. Ground accelerations in the closest areas suggest a macroseismic intensity of 3, meaning the tremor was weakly felt. However, depending on local soil conditions, intensities up to IV to V—indicating moderate to quite strong shaking—could be possible.

Geological context of Mayotte

Mayotte's seismic activity is linked to its location within the volcanic Comoros archipelago, north of the Mozambique Channel. A significant seismic and volcanic crisis began in May 2018, during which 32 earthquakes with magnitudes over 5 were recorded, including a 5.9 magnitude event, the strongest in the region at that time.

Underwater volcano and magma movement

Scientific research has identified the migration of magma beneath the surface and the formation of an underwater volcano called Fani Maoré, about 50 km east of Mayotte. These processes, involving magma movement and pressure changes, can cause fractures and underground shifts that trigger earthquakes. The island has also shifted eastward and subsided as a result of the crisis.

Historical seismic events

Earthquakes of similar magnitude have occurred in the region before the 2018 crisis. In 1993, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake caused moderate damage on Mayotte, and in 2011, a 5.0 magnitude event was strongly felt by the population, though no major damage was reported. These events are documented in a 2022 study by the Mayotte Seismological Monitoring Team.

Enhanced monitoring post-2018

The 2018 crisis prompted increased scientific monitoring. REVOSIMA, operated by the Paris Institute of Geophysics with support from the BRGM and other partners, now continuously tracks seismic and volcanic activity, helping scientists better understand the region's ongoing geological changes.