Strong M6.0 earthquake, multiple aftershocks hit off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.0 struck southeast of Tutuyan, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, at 22:55 UTC on February 25, 2025 (06:55 LT on February 26). The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS and EMSC reported a slightly higher magnitude of 6.1. Multiple aftershocks followed, with at least twelve registering M4.0 or higher.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 57 km (35 miles) E of Modisi (population 10 400), 104 km (64 miles) S of Tondano (population 33 317), and 124 km (77 miles) S of Manado (population 451 916), North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
According to the USGS PAGER, 260 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking, 2.65 million experienced light shaking, and 105 000 were exposed to moderate shaking.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
Local media reported the quake caused panic among residents, with people leaving their homes fearing stronger shaking.
More than 40 aftershocks were reported by EMSC over the next 8 hours, with magnitudes mostly ranging between 2.8 and 4.9 and depths up to 10 km (6.2 miles). The strongest was M4.9 at a depth of 22 km (14 miles). Twelve aftershocks had magnitudes of 4.0 or higher.
The seismic sequence remains centered near the Minahasa, Sulawesi region.
The USGS issued a Green alert for fatalities and economic losses, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or 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
References:
1 M6.1 – 44 km E of Modisi, Indonesia – USGS – February 25, 2025
2 M6.1 earthquake, Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia – EMSC – February 25, 2025
3 M6.0 Southeast of TUTUYAN-BOLTIM-SULUT – BMKG – February 26, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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