Seismic Activity Update: Major 7.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Borneo as Minor Tremors Shake Brittany

PARIS, 25 February 2026 – Global seismic monitoring agencies have recorded a series of significant geological events this week, ranging from a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Malaysia to minor crustal shifts in western France. As recovery efforts begin in Southeast Asia, experts remind the public of the tectonic mechanisms that drive these unpredictable natural phenomena.

Major Strike in Southeast Asia

On Monday 23 February 2026, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck offshore near the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. The epicentre was located approximately 55 km north of Kota Belud. Despite the intensity of the tremor, which was felt across the region, authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued following an immediate analysis of seismic data by the USGS and regional agencies.

The quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth, a characteristic often associated with higher levels of surface shaking. While international monitoring dashboards recorded several aftershocks in the following 24 hours, no immediate casualties were reported in the hours following the event.

Local Tremors in France: Dinan and Brittany

In France, residents of the Côtes-d’Armor department in Brittany were startled on Saturday 21 February 2026 by a localized seismic event. A magnitude 2.5 earthquake was recorded near Dinan shortly before 07:00. While the magnitude was low on the Richter scale, the shallow focal depth caused many inhabitants to report audible “booming” sounds and vibrating furniture.

Seismologists note that while Brittany is not a high-risk zone compared to tectonic plate boundaries, it remains subject to intraplate stresses that can cause occasional minor tremors. This event follows a historical pattern of moderate activity in the Armorican Massif region.

Understanding the Science: Why the Earth Shakes

According to the British Geological Survey (BGS), earthquakes occur when the Earth’s crust is subjected to extreme force, causing the lithosphere to fracture. Most activity is concentrated along tectonic plate boundaries where plates subduct, spread, or slide past one another.

As these massive blocks of rock grind together, friction causes them to become “stuck,” allowing immense pressure to build up. When the stress exceeds the strength of the rock, a sudden slip occurs, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. While most quakes occur at these boundaries, “intraplate” earthquakes—such as those seen in parts of France—can be triggered by the transfer of stress from distant regions or the slow adjustment of the continental crust.

Key Seismic Events: February 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do during an earthquake?

Safety experts recommend the “Drop, Cover, and Hold on” manoeuvre. If indoors, stay there, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, and protect your head. If outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

Why did the Malaysia earthquake not trigger a tsunami?

Not every undersea earthquake displaces enough water to create a tsunami. Tsunami generation depends on the magnitude, the depth of the water, and whether the tectonic movement is vertical (displacing water) or horizontal (sliding past).

Are earthquakes in France common?

France experiences hundreds of tremors annually, though the vast majority are too small to be felt by humans. Regions like the Pyrenees, the Alps, and the Rhine Valley are more active, while Brittany experiences occasional minor intraplate activity.