M4.5 Earthquake Bitung, Indonesia

On April 1, 2026 at 23:49 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 shallow crustal earthquake struck 126 km ESE of Bitung, Indonesia, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates 1.1028°, 126.2158°. This earthquake was detected by 35 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 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 5.3 mainshock that occurred 24 days ago 126 km WNW of Ternate, Indonesia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Indonesia, a region characterized by the convergence of the Indo-Australian, Eurasian, and Philippine Sea plates, forming the Sunda-Banda arc system. The nearest mapped fault system is the Sunda megathrust. View all earthquakes in Indonesia.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Bitung, Indonesia?

The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 126 km ESE of Bitung, Indonesia on April 1, 2026 at 23:49 UTC had a depth of 35.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 1.1028°, 126.2158°, which is 126 km ESE of Bitung, Indonesia. View all earthquakes in Indonesia.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.5 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.3 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.5 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.3 mainshock that occurred earlier 126 km WNW of Ternate, Indonesia. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Indonesia had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Indonesia was the M9.1 Indian Ocean earthquake of December 26, 2004. Today's magnitude 4.5 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

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.

M4.5 Earthquake 126 km ESE of Bitung, Indonesia — April 1, 2026

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