The key facts

  • A magnitude 4.5 earthquake was felt in the Eilat area in southern Israel
  • Ramon Airport temporarily suspended takeoffs, passengers were evacuated, and operations then resumed
  • No injuries were reported; broken glass was found at the airport

What Happened

On Wednesday, November 11, an earthquake was felt in the Eilat area in southern Israel. According to preliminary data from the Geological Survey of Israel, the epicenter was located near Taba in the southern Sinai Peninsula, approximately 224 kilometers from Israel, at a depth of about 8 kilometers. The magnitude was initially estimated at 4.4; later, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure updated it to 4.5, citing the Geological Survey.

Consequences for the Airport and Residents

Ramon Airport briefly suspended operations: takeoffs were temporarily halted, passengers were evacuated after a warning, and the airport soon resumed operations. According to media reports, broken glass was found at the airport; no information about other damage was provided. Residents of Eilat were advised to go to open spaces; sirens warning of an earthquake threat sounded in the city area. No injuries or serious destruction were reported.

Context

Israeli emergency services had previously warned of a seismic threat to Eilat and other communities in the south of the country, including Beersheba and Elifaz, as well as the Timna Valley. Estimates of the quake's parameters differed in initial reports: the magnitude was first given as 4.4 and was later revised to 4.5.