Deep M5.9 earthquake strikes north of Metinaro, Timor Leste
An M5.9 earthquake was recorded at 10:37 UTC on June 27, 2026, approximately 192 km (119 miles) north of Metinaro, Timor Leste. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 525.5 km (326.6 miles), based on data from USGS.
The epicenter was located at coordinates 125.6°E, 6.8°S, placing it deep beneath the Banda Sea, north of the main island of Timor. This region is part of a tectonically active area where the Indo-Australian Plate converges with the Eurasian Plate, commonly producing intermediate and deep earthquakes.
Given the remote, offshore location and significant depth of this event, critical infrastructure near the epicenter is limited. Regional infrastructure in Timor Leste may include ports, coastal highways, and energy facilities, but any direct impact is unlikely due to distance and depth.
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 for this event was II, and the significance index is 536 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
This region is characterized by complex tectonic processes, including deep subduction zones. The Banda Sea area has a history of deep earthquakes, which can be widely felt but rarely cause surface damage due to the depth of energy release.
This information was last updated at 11:00 UTC on June 27, 2026.