Mayotte experiences magnitude 5.1 earthquake

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Mayotte during the night of Monday, October 26, to Tuesday, October 27. According to the Volcanological and Seismological Surveillance Network of Mayotte (REVOSIMA), the tremor occurred at 1:33 a.m. local time.

The epicenter was located approximately 102 kilometers east-northeast of Dzaoudzi, with a focal depth of 76 kilometers. The hypocentral distance was estimated at about 127 kilometers. While the earthquake was generally felt weakly, with a macroseismic intensity of level III, local variations in ground acceleration may have occurred depending on soil composition.

Separately, social media rumors have been circulating regarding a potential magnitude 9.5 or 9.6 earthquake. Scientists emphasize that such predictions are impossible, noting that these viral claims often repurpose old, unverified statements from psychics rather than official scientific data.