Earthquake Hits Egypt's Resort Town of Sharm El-Sheikh
Tourists Injured, Hotels Damaged
Magnitude 5.9 Quake Strikes Near Red Sea
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Egypt's Red Sea resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh on Tuesday, injuring at least 10 tourists and damaging several hotels, officials said.
The quake, which was centered about 12 miles (20 kilometers) northeast of Sharm El-Sheikh, struck at 4:28 a.m. local time and was felt across the southern Sinai Peninsula.
The injured tourists were from Russia, Ukraine, and Germany, according to the Egyptian Health Ministry. They were all treated for minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises.
Several hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh were damaged in the quake, but no major structural damage was reported. The Egyptian Tourism Ministry said that all hotels in the area were operating normally and that tourists were safe.
The quake caused panic among tourists and residents, many of whom fled their homes and hotels. Some tourists were seen sleeping on the streets of Sharm El-Sheikh, while others waited in long lines at the airport to leave the city.
The Egyptian government has sent emergency teams to Sharm El-Sheikh to help with the cleanup and recovery effort. The teams are working to restore power and water to the city and to assess the damage to buildings.
The quake is the latest in a series of seismic events that have hit Egypt in recent months. In January, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the southern city of Luxor, killing at least 7 people and injuring dozens more.
Egypt is located in a seismically active region, and earthquakes are relatively common. However, quakes of this magnitude are rare in the Red Sea area.
Sharm El-Sheikh is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and desert landscapes. The city is also home to a number of luxury resorts and spas.
The Egyptian Tourism Ministry said that the quake is unlikely to have a significant impact on tourism in the long term. However, the ministry is monitoring the situation and will take steps to ensure that tourists are safe.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake was caused by a strike-slip fault, in which two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. The USGS said that the quake was not related to any known volcanic activity.
The Egyptian government has advised tourists in Sharm El-Sheikh to stay indoors and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
The earthquake is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, it is important to have an emergency plan in place.
