Muscat: A moderate earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale was recorded in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman on Friday afternoon, according to seismic monitoring authorities. There were no immediate reports of casualties, injuries, or damage to infrastructure.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 4:01 PM local time and originated at a depth of around 10 kilometres beneath the seabed. Officials said the epicentre was located roughly 239 kilometres south of Salalah, in Oman’s southern Dhofar Governorate, placing the tremor well offshore.
The event was detected by the Earthquake Monitoring Center at Sultan Qaboos University, which continuously monitors seismic activity across Oman and surrounding waters. Experts described the quake as moderate in magnitude and noted that earthquakes occurring offshore at such distances are less likely to cause significant impacts on populated areas.
Residents in parts of southern Oman reported feeling light tremors, although there were no indications of panic or disruptions. Emergency authorities have not issued any warnings, and normal activities continued across the region.
The Arabian Sea and the surrounding Gulf region occasionally experience seismic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. Most earthquakes recorded in the area are relatively minor and rarely result in widespread damage, though they are closely monitored by regional geological agencies.
Authorities continue to assess the situation, but as of the latest update, there is no indication of any tsunami risk or aftershocks affecting coastal communities. Seismologists will continue to monitor the area for any additional activity over the coming hours.
The latest earthquake follows several recent tremors reported across parts of the Middle East, including southern Iran and nearby Gulf waters, underscoring the region’s ongoing geological activity. Officials have advised the public to rely on updates from official sources and avoid spreading unverified information through social media.
