Strong M6.5 earthquake hits northern Molucca Sea, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.5 hit the northern Molucca Sea, Indonesia at 09:48 UTC on April 9, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 33 km (20.5 miles); EMSC M6.6 at a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles).

This is the second M6+ earthquake to hit Indonesia today, following M6.1 at 00:02 UTC near the coast of Papua.

The epicenter was located 149.6 km (93 miles) NW of Tobelo and 216 km (134 miles) N of Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia.

1 040 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, NWS PTWC said.

The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, ESRI