The 1796 Latakia earthquake struck present-day east coast of Syria on 26 April.

The earthquake had an estimated surface-wave magnitude of 6.8 and maximum EMS-92 intensity of VIII–IX (Heavily damaging–Destructive).

In Latakia, one-third of homes in the city were destroyed while the rest were damaged.

A tobacco customs house in the port area collapsed, killing 400 people.

North of Latakia, in Bayırbucak and along the Nahr al-Kabir, many deaths occurred.