Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits southeast of Amahai, Indonesia

A shallow M5.5 earthquake was recorded at 10:02 UTC on August 24, 2026, approximately 207 km (129 miles) southeast of Amahai, Indonesia. The event occurred at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), with coordinates set at 129.7°E, 5.1°S.

This earthquake’s epicenter is situated offshore, southeast of Seram Island, within the Maluku province of eastern Indonesia. The nearest notable settlement is Amahai, with the broader region characterized by scattered coastal communities and islands.

Critical infrastructure in the affected area may include inter-island shipping routes, small ports, and airstrips serving the Maluku region, as well as local fishing operations. There are no major cities close to the epicenter, but minor harbors and transport connections for island residents are possible.

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 shaking intensity is IV, and the significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Indonesia is situated along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Australian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian and Pacific Plates, resulting in frequent earthquakes throughout the region.

This information was last updated at 10:28 UTC on August 24, 2026.