Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts
Regional seismic monitoring & tsunami early warning
Singapore is sheltered from major earthquakes by distance and by being on a stable plate, but tremors from regional quakes (especially Sumatra) are sometimes felt in high-rise buildings. NEA operates five seismograph stations and contributes to the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System. For live alerts, visit the NEA seismic page.
Singapore’s Seismic Monitoring Network
NEA operates a network of five seismograph stations that provide automatic, continuous monitoring of earthquakes and ground motion in and around Singapore. The data feeds into Singapore’s national tsunami early warning system, which is part of the regional Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System coordinated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. Seismic data is also exchanged with international seismographic networks and neighbouring countries.
Real-time detection
Continuous monitoring for local and regional seismic activity, with automatic alerts for significant events.
International exchange
Station data is shared with the FDSN (International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks) via the EarthScope Data Center.
Understanding Earthquake Magnitude
Earthquake size is reported using a magnitude scale — a logarithmic measure of the energy released. Each whole-number step up represents about 32 times more energy. Two scales you will commonly see:
Mw (Moment Magnitude)
The modern standard used by the USGS and most agencies. Based on the total energy released at the fault. Values used on this page are Mw.
ML / Ms (Local / Surface-wave)
Older scales still quoted in some regional reports; for large earthquakes Mw is more accurate.
| Magnitude (Mw) | Class | Typical Effects |
|---|---|---|
| < 4.0 | Minor | Often not felt; detected by instruments. |
| 4.0–4.9 | Light | Felt indoors; rattling sounds; negligible damage. |
| 5.0–5.9 | Moderate | Felt widely; slight damage possible near epicentre. |
| 6.0–6.9 | Strong | Damaging in populated areas. |
| 7.0–7.9 | Major | Widespread, heavy damage. |
| 8.0–8.9 | Great | Severe, long-distance damage; can generate tsunamis. |
| ≥ 9.0 | Great | Catastrophic; the largest events ever recorded. |
Tsunami Risk for Singapore
Singapore’s tsunami risk is low compared to coastal regions closer to seismically active boundaries. Most major fault lines are far away, and Singapore is largely sheltered by the Malay Peninsula and surrounding landmasses. However, a major undersea earthquake in the Sunda Trench (west of Sumatra) could theoretically generate a tsunami that reaches Singapore’s west coast after several hours.
Low local risk
Singapore is on a stable plate interior; local earthquakes are rare and weak.
Regional tremors possible
Large Sumatra earthquakes are occasionally felt in tall buildings.
Early warning system
NEA feeds into the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System for rapid alerts.
What to Do If You Feel an Earthquake
Do
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On under sturdy furniture
- Stay away from windows, mirrors and exterior walls
- If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings
- If in a high-rise, do not use the lifts
- Listen for official alerts after the shaking stops
Don’t
- Run outside while the ground is shaking
- Use lifts during or immediately after
- Stand in doorways (a myth — interior tables are safer)
- Light matches or candles (gas leaks are possible)
- Drive over bridges or under overpasses
Related Regional Hazards
Why the building sways and the ground does not
Singapore sits on the stable Sunda Plate. Local quakes are rare and weak. Large Sumatra events are what people feel, mostly in high-rises: 2004 (M9.1), 2005 Nias (M8.6), 2007 (M8.5), 2009 Padang (M7.6), and the 2012 Aceh strike-slip pair (M8.6 and M8.2), among the most widely felt here.
Direct tsunami risk is low. The Malay Peninsula and island arc get in the way. A major Sunda Trench event could still send a wave into the Strait of Malacca, with hours of travel time for the Indian Ocean warning system. Long-period waves from a distant quake can match a tall building's natural frequency. The flex is by design. It still feels wrong on the 30th floor.