Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Strikes South Atlantic Ocean at Shallow Depth, GFZ Reports

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the South Atlantic Ocean at 10.39 p.m. GMT on Sunday, according to data from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, commonly known as GFZ.

The earthquake’s epicentre was initially located at latitude 22.50 degrees south and longitude 20.32 degrees west. The seismic event occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres beneath the surface.

The tremor was recorded in the open waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. Initial information released following the earthquake did not include reports of casualties, property damage or disruption to coastal communities.

No tsunami warning was mentioned in the preliminary report. Monitoring agencies may continue assessing the earthquake and update its recorded magnitude, depth or coordinates as additional seismic data becomes available.

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake is generally classified as a moderate seismic event. Earthquakes of this strength may be felt across a considerable area when they occur close to populated regions, although their effects are usually more limited when the epicentre is located far offshore.

The earthquake’s relatively shallow depth could produce stronger localised shaking near the epicentre. However, its remote ocean location reduces the likelihood of significant direct effects on populated areas.

Underwater earthquakes do not automatically generate tsunamis. A tsunami is more likely when a strong and shallow earthquake causes substantial vertical movement of the seabed, displacing a large volume of water.

Seismological agencies routinely monitor offshore earthquakes to determine whether they pose any threat to nearby coastlines. Authorities may issue further information should there be changes in the earthquake’s assessment or any detected aftershocks.

The earthquake was reported on July 27, 2026, based on information from GFZ carried by the Xinhua news agency.