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Strong mag. 5.0 earthquake - Eastern Mediterranean, 111 km south of Birkirkara, Malta, on Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023 at 5:21 am (GMT +1) -

Strong mag. 5.0 earthquake - Eastern Mediterranean, 111 km south of Birkirkara, Malta, on Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023 at 5:21 am (GMT +1) Strong mag. 5.0 earthquake - Eastern Mediterranean, 111 km south of Birkirkara, Malta, on Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023 at 5:21 am (GMT +1)

Strong magnitude 5.0 earthquake at 10 km depth

18 Jan 04:25 UTC: First to report: VolcanoDiscovery after 4 minutes.
18 Jan 04:28: Now using data updates from GFZ
18 Jan 04:42: Now using data updates from USGS
20 Jan 01:54: Epicenter location corrected by 8 km (5 mi) towards S.
Update Wed, 18 Jan 2023, 04:39

Magnitude 4.5 earthquake strikes near Birkirkara, Malta

4.5 quake 18 Jan 5:22 am (GMT +1)
4.5 quake 18 Jan 5:22 am (GMT +1)
Just 17 minutes ago, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Birkirkara, Malta. The tremor was recorded early morning on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, at 5:22 am local time, at a shallow depth of 10 km below the surface.
The event was filed by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the first seismological agency to report it.
Our monitoring service identified a second report from the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) which listed the quake at magnitude 4.7. Other agencies reporting the same quake include the citizen-seismograph network of RaspberryShake at magnitude 4.5, and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) at magnitude 4.6.
Towns or cities near the epicenter where the quake might have been felt as very weak shaking include Qrendi (pop. 2,500) located 105 km from the epicenter, Mqabba (pop. 2,900) 107 km away, Mdina (pop. 360) 109 km away, Qormi (pop. 18,200) 110 km away, Imtarfa (pop. 2,400) 110 km away, Paula (pop. 9,300) 110 km away, Birkirkara (pop. 21,700) 112 km away, and Senglea (pop. 3,000) 112 km away.
VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app. This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake.

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Earthquake details

Date & timeJan 18, 2023 04:21:57 UTC -
Local time at epicenterWednesday, Jan 18, 2023 at 5:21 am (GMT +1)
StatusConfirmed
Magnitude5
Depth10.0 km
Epicenter latitude / longitude34.9151°N / 14.2571°E (Eastern Mediterranean, Malta)
Antipode34.915°S / 165.743°W
Shaking intensityWeak shaking
Felt30 reports
Primary data sourceUSGS (United States Geological Survey)
Nearby towns and cities104 km (64 mi) S of Żurrieq (pop: 9,150) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
105 km (66 mi) S of Mqabba (pop: 2,890) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
109 km (68 mi) S of Qormi (pop: 18,200) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
109 km (68 mi) S of Paula (pop: 9,260) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
109 km (68 mi) S of Mdina (pop: 360) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
110 km (68 mi) S of Imtarfa (pop: 2,430) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
111 km (69 mi) SSW of Senglea (pop: 2,960) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
111 km (69 mi) S of Birkirkara (pop: 21,700) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
111 km (69 mi) SSW of Birgu (pop: 2,940) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
111 km (69 mi) S of Floriana (pop: 2,520) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
112 km (69 mi) S of Ta’ Xbiex (pop: 1,640) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
112 km (70 mi) SSW of Valleta (pop: 6,790) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
124 km (77 mi) S of Għajnsielem (pop: 3,260) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
109 km (68 mi) S of Malta Island (pop: 388,200) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
166 km (103 mi) ESE of Lampedusa Island (pop: 5,870) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
291 km (181 mi) SE of Pantelleria Island (pop: 7,760) | Show on map | Quakes nearby
Weather at epicenter at time of quakeClear Sky 17.9°C (64 F), humidity: 67%, wind: 10 m/s (19 kts) from WSW
Estimated seismic energy released2 x 1012 joules (554 megawatt hours, equivalent to 477 tons of TNT) | about seismic energy
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Data for the same earthquake reported by different agencies

Info: The more agencies report about the same quake and post similar data, the more confidence you can have in the data. It takes normally up to a few hours until earthquake parameters are calculated with near-optimum precision.
Mag.DepthLocationSource
5.010 km103 Km S of Żurrieq, MaltaUSGS
5.010 kmMalta: CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEAEMSC
5.010 kmMalta: Central Mediterranean SeaRaspberryShake
4.710 kmMalta: 579 Km WSW From LixouriNOA
4.730 kmMalta [Sea]INGV
4.510 km96 Km SSW of Żurrieq, MaltaGFZ
5.010 kmMalta: Central Mediterranean SeaIRIS

User reports for this quake (30)

User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale.
Contribute:
Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it.
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Malta (107.1 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling : Felt while sitting in bed . Furniture vibrating. Felt bed shaking enough that was planning protection to get up to safest spot in the room . Shaking subsided. Can still feel my bed frame shaking a bit though nearly 10 mins later . Estimate around 4-5 level shaking . | 5 users found this interesting.  
Selima, Malta (113 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Top floor, desk and computers started shaking and I could feel the whole building shiver | 5 users found this interesting.  
Malta (115.7 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : It was shaking for 30 seconds for sure. The bed was moving and the windows too. | 5 users found this interesting.  
Malta (116.1 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short : I noticed the quake because I heard something shake. | 4 users found this interesting.  
Bugibba (115.7 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s : Sdraiato sul letto. Il letto ha iniziato a tremare | 4 users found this interesting.  
Attard / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s : Just the sofa vibrate for 2 seconds. But i could tell what it is as it is a strange feeling. Kitchen cupboard too made a very light noise. | 2 users found this interesting.  
Zebbug / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Got a bit tense | 2 users found this interesting.  
Marsaskala / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : weak shaking while in bed | 2 users found this interesting.  
gzira / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I felt shaken and a bit scared but I am ok now | 2 users found this interesting.  
Kirkop / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Light shaking | 2 users found this interesting.  
Mellieha / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Light shaking | 2 users found this interesting.  
Ta’x Biex / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) : Light shaking | 2 users found this interesting.  
Building (113 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Weak shaking (MMI III)
Rabat (107.4 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating
Xemxija (115.8 km N of epicenter) [Map] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s
Bugibba / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 20-30 s
Mtarfa Malta / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s
Gharghur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short
Mtarfa Malta / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s
Sliema / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging
Darnah libya ???????? / Very weak shaking (MMI II) (reported through our app)
Sliema / Weak shaking (MMI III)
HAL BALZAN / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short
Baħrija l/o Rabat / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 5-10 s
Mellieha / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s
Sliema / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s
Sliema / Very weak shaking (MMI II)
Saint Paul's Bay / Weak shaking (MMI III)
Mtarfa Malta / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s
San Pawl Il Bahar / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s
Show more

Aftershocks

[More info]

Recorded aftershocks, latest first (61 quakes)

Date and timeMag
Depth
LocationDetails
Mar 8, 2023 05:33
3 weeks ago - felt
4.3

21 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 118 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Mar 8, 2023 04:22
3 weeks ago
3.1

19 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 116 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 22, 2023 09:58
5 weeks ago
3.3

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 123 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 20, 2023 10:51
6 weeks ago
3.0

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 126 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 20, 2023 08:10
6 weeks ago
3.4

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 98 km S of Qormi, MaltaMore
Feb 16, 2023 20:49
6 weeks ago
3.7

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 124 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 16, 2023 08:46
6 weeks ago
3.7

9.8 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 115 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 15, 2023 23:42
6 weeks ago
2.4

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, MaltaMore
Feb 15, 2023 17:06
6 weeks ago
2.4

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, MaltaMore
Feb 14, 2023 11:55
6 weeks ago
3.7

14 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 119 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 14, 2023 02:01
6 weeks ago - felt
3.1

23 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 121 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 12, 2023 05:24
7 weeks ago
3.7

14 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 115 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 12, 2023 02:30
7 weeks ago - felt
4.1

9.7 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 119 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 8, 2023 11:41
7 weeks ago
3.6

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 126 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 5, 2023 05:49
8 weeks ago
3.5

13 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 119 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 4, 2023 11:46
8 weeks ago
3.1

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 111 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 4, 2023 06:04
8 weeks ago - felt
4.9

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 114 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 2, 2023 22:29
8 weeks ago
3.6

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 125 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 2, 2023 21:24
8 weeks ago
3.0

22 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 120 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 2, 2023 02:55
8 weeks ago - felt
3.4

15 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 119 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 1, 2023 23:55
8 weeks ago
2.9

9 km
Eastern Mediterranean, MaltaMore
Feb 1, 2023 23:44
8 weeks ago
3.9

19 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 120 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Feb 1, 2023 22:21
8 weeks ago
2.9

17 km
Eastern Mediterranean, MaltaMore
Feb 1, 2023 04:37
8 weeks ago - felt
3.7

9 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 118 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 31, 2023 19:09
8 weeks ago - felt
4.0

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 126 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 31, 2023 06:57
8 weeks ago
3.7

20 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 122 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 31, 2023 00:43
8 weeks ago - felt
4.6

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 119 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 30, 2023 20:13
8 weeks ago - felt
3.5

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 122 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 30, 2023 20:10
8 weeks ago - felt
3.8

18 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 115 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 30, 2023 19:55
8 weeks ago - felt
5.3

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 98 km S of Żurrieq, MaltaMore
Jan 30, 2023 05:57
9 weeks ago
3.2

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 121 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 30, 2023 04:56
9 weeks ago
3.2

17 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 121 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 30, 2023 01:02
9 weeks ago - felt
4.3

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 119 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 29, 2023 18:06
9 weeks ago - felt
3.5

19 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 115 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 27, 2023 17:38
9 weeks ago - felt
4.2

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 124 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 27, 2023 02:32
9 weeks ago
3.8

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 125 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 26, 2023 01:52
9 weeks ago
3.4

26 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 120 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 26, 2023 01:49
9 weeks ago
3.2

1 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 121 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 26, 2023 01:05
9 weeks ago
3.7

14 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 118 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 21:51
9 weeks ago - felt
3.9

9.5 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 120 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 20:41
9 weeks ago
3.5

16 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 120 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 18:53
9 weeks ago
3.4

19 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 117 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 14:40
9 weeks ago
3.6

9.7 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 124 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 12:09
9 weeks ago
3.2

25 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 99 km S of Żurrieq, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 11:57
9 weeks ago
2.9

23 km
Eastern Mediterranean, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 07:54
9 weeks ago - felt
4.0

19 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 117 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 06:44
9 weeks ago
3.8

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 107 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 03:28
9 weeks ago
3.9

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 112 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 25, 2023 01:12
9 weeks ago
4.1

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 126 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 24, 2023 20:25
9 weeks ago - felt
5.3

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 112 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 23, 2023 15:28
10 weeks ago
3.5

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 127 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 23, 2023 12:49
10 weeks ago
3.6

15 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 117 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 23, 2023 10:37
10 weeks ago - felt
5.1

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 99 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 22, 2023 14:21
10 weeks ago
3.5

16 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 116 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 22, 2023 13:56
10 weeks ago
3.4

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 118 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 19, 2023 04:22
10 weeks ago - felt
3.8

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 118 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 19, 2023 04:15
10 weeks ago
3.6

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 127 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 18, 2023 23:29
10 weeks ago
3.5

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 116 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 18, 2023 17:00
10 weeks ago - felt
4.7

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 110 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 18, 2023 15:54
10 weeks ago - felt
5.1

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 115 km S of Birkirkara, MaltaMore
Jan 18, 2023 14:13
10 weeks ago - felt
4.6

10 km
Eastern Mediterranean, 96 km S of Żurrieq, MaltaMore
Show all

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