Strong M6.7 earthquake hits Pulau Pulau Tanimbar, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.7 hit Pulau Pulau Tanimbar, Indonesia at 05:49 UTC (12:49 local time) on July 14, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 80 km (50 miles). PMKG is reporting M6.7 at a depth of 98 km (60 miles); EMSC M6.7 at 80 km (50 miles).
Epicenter of M6.7 earthquake in Indonesia on July 14, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 180 km (112 miles) WSW of Tual (population 88 999), and 378 km (235 miles) SSW of Fakfak (population 18 900), Indonesia.
10 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 310 000 light.
BMKG modeling results show that this earthquake does not have tsunami potential.
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.
“Considering the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake was an intermediate earthquake due to deformation activity within the Banda Sea plate (intraplate). The analysis of the source mechanism indicates that the earthquake had a strike-slip movement mechanism,” BMKG said.
This earthquake had an impact and was felt in the Saumlaki area with an intensity scale of IV-V MMI (the vibrations were felt by almost all residents, many people woke up), the Dobo area with an intensity scale of III-IV MMI (felt by many people in their homes) and the Banda area with an intensity scale of III MMI (the vibrations were clearly felt in homes as if a truck was passing).
Indonesian officials are urging public in affected regions to remain calm and avoid acting on unverified information. Before returning home, inspect your residence for structural damage caused by the earthquake. Avoid entering buildings that are visibly cracked or may have sustained damage compromising their structural integrity.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.7 earthquake Indonesia – USGS – July 14, 2025
2 M6.7 earthquake Indonesia – EMSC – July 14, 2025
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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