M6.0 earthquake hits near Gorontalo, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.0 hit NW of Pohuwanto in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia at 19:51 WIB (12:51 UTC) on May 3, 2025. The agency reports a depth of 90 km (56 miles). USGS registered the same magnitude but at a depth of 108.4 km (67.3 miles).
M6.0 earthquake Southwest of Gorontalo on May 3, 2025. Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 130 km (81 miles) SW of Gorontola (population 144 000), 243 km (151 miles) NE of Palu (population 282 000).
According to the USGS pager, over 1.9 million people could have felt weak shaking, and over 1.3 million felt light shaking.
“The results of the source mechanism analysis show that the earthquake had a horizontal shift mechanism, specifically a vertically inclined thrust fault,” said Daryono, Head of the Earthquake and Tsunami Center at BMKG, in a report.
Local media reported that weak shaking was felt in Boalemo and Pohuwato. Meanwhile, North Gorontalo, Manado, Tarakan, Nunukan, Bolaang Mongondow, South Bolaang Mongondow, Southeast Minahasa, Toli-Toli, Luwuk, and Berau, in Gorontola and North Morowali, in Palu felt light shaking.
According to all available data, there is no tsunami threat from the earthquake. A few aftershocks of over M3.0 were registered by BMKG.
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
References:
1 M6.0 earthquake Indonesia – USGS – May 3, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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