Author: WeWorldMedia-admin

Significant magnitude 5.5 earthquake 61 km east of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Published: 22 October 2026
Categories: Global Earthquake Activity

RSS feed source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

Thursday, Oct 22, 2026 08:19 | 8 mins ago | By: EarthquakeMonitor

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred early Thursday evening, October 22, 2026, at 6:06 p.m. local time near Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency.
According to preliminary data, the quake was located at a shallow depth of 10. km. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly than deeper ones because they are closer to the surface. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review the data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their reports.
Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake was probably felt by many people in the epicentral area. It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc.
Weak shaking might have been felt in Saipan (pop. 48,200), located 61 km from the epicenter; Capitol Hill Village (pop. 980), 61 km away; Garapan (pop. 5,200), 64 km away; and San Jose (pop. 15,000), 76 km away.
VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update the magnitude and depth if they change and follow up if other significant news about the quake becomes available. If you’re in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app. This

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