Moderate M5.7 earthquake strikes near Tual, Indonesia on October 28, 2026 (Updated)

A moderate M5.7 earthquake was recorded at 22:06 UTC on October 28, 2026, approximately 271 km (168 miles) west-southwest of Tual, Indonesia. The event originated at a depth of 142.0 km (88.2 miles), based on information from the US Geological Survey.

The epicenter was located at 130.4°E, 6.3°S, placing it in the Banda Sea region, southeast of the Maluku Islands and far from any major population centers. The area is characterized by remote waters with scattered islands, with Tual being one of the closest cities to the epicenter.

In this region, the main infrastructure that could be influenced by seismic activity includes inter-island transport routes, small ports, and potentially regional airports supporting the Maluku Islands. Given the offshore and intermediate-depth nature of the event, direct impacts to critical infrastructure are unlikely.

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 earthquake was III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. The significance index is 500 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Banda Sea and surrounding Maluku region sit on the boundary where the Indo-Australian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic context leads to frequent seismic activity, with earthquakes commonly occurring at both shallow and intermediate depths.

This information was last updated at 22:57 UTC on October 28, 2026.