Strong M6.3 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit Sulawesi, Indonesia at 20:50 UTC on July 23, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 144 km (89 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.3 earthquake in Sulawesi, Indonesia on July 23, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 109 km (68 miles) W of Gorontalo (population 198 539), and 174 km (108 miles) NNW of Luwuk, Indonesia.
2 million people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 467 000 weak.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
“The analysis of the source mechanism indicates that the earthquake was driven by a thrust fault,” BMKG said.
Felt reports indicate this earthquake was experienced at intensity levels of III–IV MMI in the Pohuwato and Toli-Toli regions — meaning it was felt by many people indoors during the day.
Intensity III shaking was reported in Gorontalo, Bulungan, North Bolaang Mongondow, Kotamobagu, Bolaang Mongondow, Tomohon, South Minahasa, East Bolaang Mongondow, Berau Regency, East Kutai Regency, and Southeast Minahasa, where vibrations were clearly felt indoors and resembled the passing of a truck.
In the Manado and North Minahasa areas, the shaking reached II–III MMI, with similar but slightly weaker indoor effects.
Officials urged residents to remain calm and not be influenced by unverified information. Before re-entering buildings, structures should be inspected for damage. Avoid entering homes or facilities that show signs of structural cracking or instability. Ensure that buildings are earthquake-resistant and safe before resuming occupancy.
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
References:
1 M6.3 earthquake Indonesia – USGS – July 23, 2025
2 M6.3 earthquake Indonesia – EMSC – July 23, 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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