A moderate earthquake, registering a magnitude of 5.5, struck northwestern Mongolia on August 28, 2025. The seismic event's epicenter was located approximately 44 kilometers southeast of Ulaangom in the Uvs province, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor was felt in several Mongolian cities, including Ulaangom, Khovd, and Ölgii, and was also reported in Kyzyl, Russia.
The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) confirmed the magnitude and location of the earthquake. Initial reports from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicate no significant damage or injuries. No tsunami warnings were issued, as the earthquake's inland epicenter posed no threat of generating such waves.
This seismic event is the strongest to affect this region of Mongolia since July 29, 2022, when a magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred. Mongolia, situated in a seismically active zone due to the collision of the Indian and Asian tectonic plates, experiences frequent tremors. Historically, the country has recorded powerful earthquakes, such as the Tsetserleg and Bulnay earthquakes in 1905, with magnitudes of 7.9-8.0 and 8.25-8.4, respectively.
The absence of reported damage suggests resilience in local infrastructure or a fortunate distribution of seismic energy. The swift reporting from scientific institutions like GFZ and emergency management bodies like NEMA demonstrates established protocols for seismic activity monitoring and response. Mongolia has been enhancing its disaster preparedness, with initiatives supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) focusing on strengthening national capacity for earthquake disaster protection and prevention. These efforts aim to improve risk assessment, preparedness, and public awareness.