A 3.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Bouira Province in Algeria on Thursday at 6:49 PM local time, according to the Center for Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics (CRAAG).
The epicenter of the tremor was located 2 kilometers south of Bir Ghbalou, also within Bouira Province. This latest seismic event follows a series of tremors that have affected Algerian territory in recent months. On July 21, 2025, a 3.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the same province, felt around 9:11 p.m. Local time, with its epicenter 4 kilometers southeast of Taguedite.
Prior to the July tremor, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook northern Algeria on March 18, 2025, impacting several cities including the capital, Algiers. Despite its intensity, that event did not result in any reported casualties or structural damage, according to the Algerian Civil Protection authorities. Earlier in the year, on December 16, 2024, the Chlef province experienced a 4.9 magnitude earthquake, the strongest recorded in Algeria that year.
Authorities have not yet released any information regarding potential material damage or injuries resulting from the Thursday earthquake. The recent increase in seismic activity prompted the Algerian Civil Protection to conduct a national exercise, “SEISMEX Bouira 2026,” beginning February 7th, simulating a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in the localities of Oued El Berdi and Sour El Ghozlane, south of Bouira. The exercise, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Nassim Bernaoui, aimed to prepare emergency response teams for a major seismic event.
