Moderate M5.9 earthquake strikes northeastern Timor Leste on March 28, 2026

An M5.9 earthquake was registered at 18:38 UTC on March 28, 2026, approximately 144 km (89 miles) northeast of Lospalos, Timor Leste, at a depth of 169.0 km (105.0 miles).

The coordinates for the event are 127.8°E, 7.5°S, placing the epicenter inland in the northeastern region of Timor Leste, relatively distant from major population centers and the country’s capital.

This area is characterized by rural landscapes and several smaller settlements. While Lospalos is the nearest significant urban area, critical infrastructure in this region may include local highways and possible rural airstrips given the area’s topography. Major international airports or large industrial facilities are unlikely to lie within immediate proximity.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

The significance index is 536 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude and estimated impact.

Timor Leste is situated along the convergent boundary between the Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, a tectonically active zone known for deep and intermediate-depth seismicity. Earthquakes in this area are commonly generated by subduction processes.

This information was last updated at 18:54 UTC on March 28, 2026.