Tanzania Earthquake Shakes Parts of Rwanda
A magnitude 6.4 quake centered in Ushirombo, Tanzania, was felt across East Africa on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Geology
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Ushirombo, Tanzania, 292 kilometers from Kigali, and was felt in parts of Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board announced the event, and no damage in Rwanda had been confirmed.
Why it matters
The quake was caused by ground movement within the East African Rift System, where the Earth's crust is gradually separating. Shallow earthquakes can be felt over wide areas, which explains why tremors reached multiple countries.
The magnitude 6.4 quake lasted 30 seconds, about 100 years after Rwanda's largest recorded earthquake of magnitude 6.6 in 1966, though casualty and structural damage figures remain unavailable.
The players
Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB)
The Rwandan government agency responsible for regulating mining, petroleum, and gas activity, which announced the earthquake.
The details
The earthquake occurred at 11:22 local time and was felt by residents in Mwanza, Tanzania, Kampala, Uganda, and Nairobi, Kenya. It follows a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in 2021 that was felt during a Nyiragongo volcanic eruption, which caused residents to flee.
Timeline
March 20, 1966: Magnitude 6.6 earthquake, the largest recorded in Rwanda.
2021: Magnitude 5.3 earthquake felt regionally during the Nyiragongo eruption.
November 5, 2026, 11:22 local time: Magnitude 6.4 Ushirombo earthquake felt in Rwanda.
Seasonal Patterns
Felt-report seismic events across East Africa follow the tectonic activity of the East African Rift System rather than any seasonal cycle, and this quake's reach across three countries reflects the shallow depth typical of rift-zone earthquakes.
Residents across East Africa may feel tremors from rift-zone earthquakes, which can be felt far beyond the epicenter. Such events do not change daily routines unless damage occurs, and no damage in Rwanda had been confirmed.
The takeaway
Earthquakes near the surface can be felt across wide areas, so tremors in one country can reach neighbors. Monitoring official government reports is the best way to confirm any damage or safety guidance after a quake.
Further reading
Explore more on the Geology behind rift-zone earthquakes and the forces shaping East Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IMVAHO NSHYA.
