Franz Josef Land, Russia — A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck the remote Arctic waters north of Franz Josef Land on Monday evening, November 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM Central Time.

What happened:

The quake hit at a depth of about 10 kilometers, roughly 6 miles below the surface, in the Arctic Ocean north of the Russian island chain. The U.S. Geological Survey reviewed the event and listed it at magnitude 4.9.

Impacts:

The quake struck far from any town or city, and no felt reports had been filed with the survey. No tsunami threat was issued, and no damage has been reported from this remote stretch of the Arctic.

What to do:

Even in remote places, a quake this size is a reminder to know the drill. If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until it stops. Aftershocks are possible, so stay alert and check for hazards before going back to normal routines.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 9, 2026.