Shallow M5.9 earthquake hits near Bitung, Indonesia
An earthquake with a magnitude of M5.9 was recorded at 01:35 UTC on April 4, 2026, about 111 km (69 miles) east-southeast of Bitung, Indonesia. The event originated at a depth of 48.7 km (30.3 miles), based on data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The coordinates of the earthquake were 1.1°N, 126.1°E, placing the event offshore to the east-southeast of Bitung, a coastal city in North Sulawesi. This region sits near several populated coastal communities and is part of the volcanic and tectonically active North Sulawesi province.
The affected area is near critical transportation routes connecting major port facilities in Bitung, as well as regional shipping lanes through the Molucca Sea. Coastal infrastructure and maritime facilities are likely present in the broader region.
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, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Indo-Australian Plate converges with the Eurasian and Philippine Sea Plates, making the region prone to frequent seismic and volcanic events.
This information was last updated at 01:51 UTC on April 4, 2026.