A total of 46 earthquakes and 115 anthropogenic seismic events were recorded in Hungary last month, although regions such as the Great Plain and the Little Plain were entirely unaffected. A map reveals the country’s more “at-risk” areas – though these pale in comparison to the catastrophe that has struck the Philippines. Scroll for our picture report from the disaster zone.
Two tremors felt in Hungary
In May 2026, the Kövesligethy Radó Seismological Observatory registered 46 earthquakes and 115 anthropogenic seismic events across the central areas of the Carpathian Basin, within the Carpathian–Pannonian region. Of these, only two were felt by the public.
The first occurred on 5 May, when “at 02:35 local time, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck in Croatia, near the Croatian–Serbian border, close to Sombor in Serbia, approximately 20 kilometres from the Hungarian frontier.”
A second tremor was recorded near Nagykanizsa shortly after 7.45pm on 13 May, though its magnitude was a modest 2.6. A map illustrates the initial epicentres of these events and their magnitudes.
Hungary not considered high-risk
Hungary is not regarded as a seismically hazardous country. The last earthquake to cause significant material damage occurred on 23 April 2013 in the Heves area (near Tenk). The magnitude 4.8 quake prompted more than 4,500 damage reports, largely relating to cracked walls, falling plaster, damaged chimneys and roof impairments. Estimated losses exceeded 600 million forints.
The last fatal earthquake in Hungary dates back to 12 January 1956, when a magnitude 5.6 tremor struck Dunaharaszti. One of the most severe such events in the country’s 20th-century history, it damaged or partially destroyed more than 3,100 of the town’s roughly 3,500 buildings. Official records state that two people were killed and 38 injured.
Although Hungary is not classified as earthquake-prone, seismologists caution that a quake of magnitude 5.5 to 6 could still occur, potentially causing serious damage to older buildings.
Deadly quake and tsunami alert in the Philippines
A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake has struck the southern Philippines, leaving at least 14 people dead, with several others missing, and prompting tsunami alerts across multiple countries in the region. Authorities are racing against time as tens of thousands grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicentre lay off the coast of Sarangani province on Mindanao island. The tremor damaged or destroyed numerous buildings and immediately triggered tsunami warnings across the region.
The Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense confirmed in a preliminary report that at least 14 people had been killed, seven remain missing, and around 10,000 families have been directly affected. Rescue teams continue to comb through the rubble, and the toll is expected to rise.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves could reach heights of more than three metres above normal sea level in some coastal areas. Authorities in both the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in low-lying coastal zones to move to higher ground without delay.
Aftershock compounds crisis
The situation was further осложated by a magnitude 6.1 aftershock approximately two hours after the main quake, striking the same region. The tremors damaged schools, classrooms and other public buildings across parts of Mindanao. In affected areas, teaching has been suspended at all levels, while airport checks and emergency measures have been intensified.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has instructed government agencies to begin immediate rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts. General Santos City airport was temporarily closed due to the earthquake and tsunami threat.
What’s going on in Hungary? The number of earth tremors was alarmingly high in April
The impact extended beyond the Philippines. Japan’s meteorological agency issued a tsunami alert along both its eastern and western Pacific coasts. Experts warned that waves of up to one metre could reach parts of Okinawa, including the Miyako and Yaeyama islands. Residents were advised to stay away from coastal areas until the warning is lifted.
Damage assessments and rescue operations remain ongoing, with authorities working to deliver aid as swiftly as possible. For those in the affected regions, the coming hours and days are likely to prove critical in averting further danger.
Have you read this one? Earthquake felt in Hungary, epicentre not far from border
