Light Magnitude 2.6 Earthquake Recorded Near Mayotte

Minor Tremor Strikes Off Mayotte Coast

A light magnitude 2.6 earthquake was recorded in the Mozambique Channel, approximately 46 km east of Mamoudzou, Mayotte, in the early hours of Friday, January 30, 2026. The tremor occurred at 06:03 am local time (GMT +3), with its epicenter located at 12.8476°S / 45.6454°E.

The earthquake had a shallow depth of 38 km (24 mi). Initial reports indicate that the quake was not felt by residents in the vicinity, or at least no such reports have been made.

Event Details and Reporting

The seismic event was first reported by RaspberryShake, with data updates later provided by the Réseau National de Surveillance Sismique (RENASS). Such minor tremors are common in seismically active regions and typically do not cause damage or significant disruption.

The closest larger town to the epicenter is Pamandzi, located approximately 40 km (25 mi) to the west, though it is considered unlikely that the quake was felt there.

Mayotte's Seismic Background

Mayotte is situated in a region known for its considerable seismic activity. The island has experienced a high level of seismicity, with at least 21 earthquakes above magnitude 5 recorded since 1970. A significant period of seismic unrest began in May 2018, which included hundreds of earthquakes and the strongest tremor ever recorded in the Comoros area.

This heightened activity led to the discovery of a new underwater volcano off the coast of Mayotte in May 2019. In response, the Mayotte Volcanological and Seismological Monitoring Network (REVOSIMA) was established to continuously monitor the seismic and volcanic phenomena affecting the island. This ongoing monitoring helps scientists better understand the geological processes in the region and provides crucial information for public safety.