Masumbwe, Tanzania — A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck northwestern Tanzania on Thursday morning, shaking ground near the town of Masumbwe, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

What happened:

The quake hit at 3:22 AM Central Time on Thursday, November 5, centered about 19 kilometers north-northwest of Masumbwe at a depth of 10 kilometers, or about 6 miles. That is 12:22 PM local time in Tanzania.

Impacts:

Shaking was felt in the area, with early reports describing light to moderate shaking. The Geological Survey has received a small number of felt reports so far. No tsunami threat was issued, and no damage has been reported at this time.

What to do:

- If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on until it stops.

- Stay away from windows and heavy objects that could fall.

- Check your home for damage to gas lines, wiring, and water pipes before turning anything back on.

- Be ready for aftershocks, which can follow a quake of this size in the hours and days ahead.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 5, 2026.