Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Banda Sea, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 struck the Banda Sea, Indonesia, at 17:53 UTC on May 14, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 146 km (91 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 146 km (91 miles) while BMKG reports M6.7 at a depth of 163 km (102 miles).
Epicenter of M6.2 earthquake in the Banda Sea, Indonesia, on May 14, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 271 km (168 miles) ENE of Tual (population 88 999) and 356 km (221 miles) NNW of Amahai (population 47 653), Indonesia.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this event.
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 a concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.
Indonesia’s BMKG reported the earthquake as M6.7 at a depth of 163 km (101 miles). According to BMKG, the earthquake was felt at intensity II-III MMI in Saumlaki, Banda, and Tual.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.2 earthquake Banda Sea, Indonesia – USGS – May 14, 2026
2 M6.2 earthquake Banda Sea, Indonesia – EMSC – May 14, 2026
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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