Moderate M5.5 earthquake strikes near Pante Makasar, Timor Leste on April 21, 2026

An M5.5 earthquake occurred at 03:17 UTC on April 21, 2026, about 35 km (22 miles) west-northwest of Pante Makasar, Timor Leste. The event was recorded at a depth of 77.2 km (48 miles), with the epicenter located at 124.1°E, 9.1°S.

The earthquake’s coordinates place it inland in the eastern part of Timor, near populated areas, and within reach of small towns and villages surrounding Pante Makasar.

Critical infrastructure in this region typically includes local transport routes, municipal utilities, and regional roads, as well as nearby energy and telecommunications facilities that support the local population.

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

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity was IV–V, with no felt reports received and a significance index of 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

This area sits within the complex tectonic boundary region between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian Plates, known for frequent seismic activity and moderate to strong earthquakes.

This information was last updated at 03:36 UTC on April 21, 2026.