The National Center for Geophysics, affiliated with the National Council for Scientific Research, reported that at 20:08 local time on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, an earthquake of 2.5 degrees on the Richter scale was recorded, located in the sea off the coast of Sidon.
This earthquake is considered light in strength, as earthquakes less than 3 degrees are often limited in impact and not felt by a large number of people, especially if their epicenter is at sea or at a certain depth.
The National Center for Geophysics continuously monitors seismic activity in Lebanon and the region through its monitoring networks and issues reports when any noticeable earthquakes or seismic activity are recorded.
Lebanon is relatively situated in a seismically active area due to its proximity to known geological faults in the Eastern Mediterranean, most notably the Yammouneh Fault and the Dead Sea Transform Fault, making the monitoring of even light earthquakes a natural part of ongoing scientific observation.
In recent years, recordings of light and moderate earthquakes in Lebanon and its maritime surroundings have been repeated, mostly without causing damage, yet scientific authorities always emphasize the importance of adhering to general safety guidelines and raising awareness on how to act during any earthquake.