Earthquakes in Ethiopia — May 2026
2 earthquakes were recorded in Ethiopia during May 2026, an average of 0.1 per day.
2 reached magnitude 4 or above and 0 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 10 km.
The month's largest event in Ethiopia was a magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Turmi, Ethiopia on 14 May 2026 at 00:14 UTC. A magnitude 4.7 earthquake radiates roughly 169 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is below the Ethiopia monthly average of 12 events over the period we cover — a comparatively quiet month, and up from the 1 recorded the previous month.
100% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 0% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). Almost everything here is crustal. That is characteristic of transform faulting or continental deformation rather than subduction — and it means shaking at the surface is strong for the magnitudes involved.
By band, the catalogue holds 2 in the magnitude 4 range.
The month's largest events were M4.7 near Turmi, Ethiopia on 14 May at 10 km; M4.3 near Āwash, Ethiopia on 10 May at 10 km.
That is 83% below the 12 events Ethiopia averages per month across the 14 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in Ethiopia, May 2026
2 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 | Turmi, Ethiopia | 10.0 | Ethiopia | View details View | |
| 4.3 | Āwash, Ethiopia | 10.0 | Ethiopia | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Ethiopia in May 2026?
2 earthquakes were recorded in Ethiopia during May 2026, of which 2 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Ethiopia in May 2026?
A magnitude 4.7 event near Turmi, Ethiopia on 14 May 2026.
Other months in Ethiopia
Magnitudes for May 2026 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.