M4.3 Earthquake near Banda Sea — December 15, 2025
2025-12-15 20:50:56 UTC (2025-12-15) · approx. 5:50 AM UTC+9 local
On December 15, 2025 at 20:50 UTC, a magnitude 4.3 intermediate depth earthquake struck near Banda Sea, at a depth of 159.8 km and coordinates -6.2417°, 130.0060°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 43 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 558 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 6.2 mainshock that occurred 9 days ago 271 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for weeks to months as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
130.0060°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake near Banda Sea?
The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck near Banda Sea on December 15, 2025 at 20:50 UTC had a depth of 159.8 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.3 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M6.2 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.2 mainshock that occurred earlier 271 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.3 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000rv32). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, December 15, 2025). M4.3 Earthquake near Banda Sea — December 15, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rv32/