Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits near Bitung, Indonesia

A magnitude M5.6 earthquake was recorded at 20:39 UTC on May 25, 2026, about 113 km (70 miles) east-southeast of Bitung, Indonesia. The earthquake struck at a depth of 31.1 km (19.3 miles). The coordinates for the event are 1.1°N, 126.1°E.

The epicenter is located within the tectonically active region east of the island of Sulawesi, not far from the Molucca Sea. The nearest urban center to the quake is Bitung, an important city in northern Sulawesi.

Given the proximity to coastal areas and maritime routes, nearby infrastructure could include local ports, shipping channels, fishing settlements, and regional airports serving northern Sulawesi. Major energy or transportation corridors may also be in the broader area.

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

The significance index is 482 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude and estimated impact.

Indonesia sits at the convergence of several major tectonic plates and is characterized by frequent seismic activity due to the complex subduction zones and transform fault systems in the region.

This information was last updated at 20:56 UTC on May 25, 2026.