Shallow M5.9 earthquake hits near Ternate, Indonesia
An M5.9 earthquake was recorded at 14:13 UTC on April 2, 2026, about 130 km (81 miles) west-northwest of Ternate, Indonesia. According to data provided by USGS, the earthquake was registered at a depth of 35.0 km (21.7 miles).
The epicenter, located at 126.3°E, 1.2°N, places the event offshore, in a seismically active region northwest of Halmahera Island, near the Maluku Islands. This area is known for frequent tectonic activity and proximity to major Indonesian population centers like Ternate.
Given its location, nearby critical infrastructure may include coastal ports, regional airports, and maritime transport routes that service the Maluku and North Maluku provinces. Major shipping lanes and local fishing fleets are prominent in these waters.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
The maximum estimated intensity reached was just below V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. The significance index is 536 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
The Maluku Islands lie along the tectonically complex boundary between the Pacific, Eurasian, and Australian plates. This region regularly experiences seismic activity due to oblique subduction and numerous local fault systems.
This information was last updated at 14:36 UTC on April 2, 2026.