Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal city, was shaken early this morning by a powerful earthquake that left residents in shock and authorities scrambling to assess the damage. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the earthquake struck at approximately 5:42 AM local time, registering a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale.
The tremors lasted for nearly a minute, causing buildings to sway and prompting many people to rush out of their homes in panic. Several structures, particularly older buildings in the city center and parts of Old Town, have reported minor to moderate damage. Fortunately, no fatalities have been confirmed at this time, though a number of injuries have been reported, mostly from falling debris and stampedes during the evacuation efforts.
The earthquake’s epicenter is believed to have been located offshore, about 50 kilometers southeast of Mombasa, in the Indian Ocean. Experts suggest that the offshore location may have helped to reduce the potential destruction in the city itself. However, authorities have issued a precautionary alert for possible aftershocks and minor tsunamis, urging residents to stay away from the coastline until further notice.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir addressed the public shortly after the incident, assuring residents that emergency services are actively responding. “We are working closely with national agencies to assess the situation and provide assistance where needed,” he said. Rescue teams, firefighters, and medical personnel have been deployed across the city to manage the aftermath.
Schools, businesses, and government offices in Mombasa have been temporarily closed to allow for thorough structural inspections. Meanwhile, engineers and disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the restoration of essential services.
This marks one of the most significant earthquakes to impact Kenya’s coastal region in recent history, highlighting the need for enhanced disaster preparedness measures in vulnerable areas.
By Kenyans