Egypt's Quake Agency Says Monday's Tremor Was Natural, More Aftershocks Possible

The earthquake felt by residents across Egypt early Monday was a natural seismic event followed by aftershocks, according to Bassem Nabawy, head of Egypt's National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), as reported by Egypt Independent.

Nabawy also drew a comparison between Monday's quake and Egypt's 1992 earthquake, though Egypt Independent's report did not detail what distinguishes the two beyond confirming NRIAG's assessment that the recent tremor is natural.

The confirmation follows the Red Sea Governorate's decision to activate its emergency plan after a quake was recorded near Hurghada, as Hurghada News reported. Residents along the coast who felt Monday's shaking can take NRIAG's assessment to mean continued minor aftershocks are possible, rather than a separate, unrelated hazard.

Egypt Independent's report did not give the quake's magnitude, epicenter, or a count of aftershocks recorded since Monday morning. Hurghada News will update this story if NRIAG or Red Sea Governorate officials release further detail on tremors felt along the coast.