Rare deep M7.1 earthquake hits beneath the Sulu Sea near Sabah, Malaysia

A powerful and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.1 struck off the coast of Kota Belud, Malaysia, at 16:57 UTC on February 22, 2026. The agency reported a depth of 620 km (385 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. Due to the great depth, no tsunami was generated, and damage is unlikely. This is the largest earthquake recorded near Malaysia since the M6.6 quake in Lahad Datu in 1923. Source