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
Earthquakes & tsunamis affecting Singapore
Singapore lies on the stable Sunda Plate, away from active plate boundaries, so local earthquakes are rare and weak. However, large regional earthquakes — especially from the Sunda Trench off the west coast of Sumatra — are sometimes felt in Singapore, particularly by residents of high-rise buildings. Notable regional events felt here include the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (M9.1), 2005 Nias earthquake (M8.6), 2007 Sumatra earthquake (M8.5), 2009 Padang earthquake (M7.6) and the 2012 Indian Ocean strike-slip earthquakes (M8.6 and M8.2 off Aceh) — the latter pair being the largest strike-slip earthquakes ever recorded and among the most widely felt in Singapore.
Does Singapore get tsunamis?
Direct tsunami risk to Singapore is low. Most tsunami-generating earthquakes occur along the Sunda Trench, and Singapore is partly shielded by the Malay Peninsula and the surrounding island arc. A truly major undersea event could send a tsunami into the Strait of Malacca, but the several-hour travel time would allow the early warning system to activate. Singapore’s NEA-operated seismic network feeds into the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System for exactly this scenario.
Why do high-rises sway during distant earthquakes?
Long-period seismic waves from distant earthquakes can resonante with the natural frequency of tall buildings, causing them to sway gently. This is a normal structural response — modern high-rises are designed to flex without damage — but it can be unnerving for occupants, particularly on upper floors.
NEA Weather SG republishes guidance based on publicly available information from NEA and the Meteorological Service Singapore. We are not affiliated with NEA.