M5.5 Earthquake 112 km W of Ternate, Indonesia — April 3, 2026
2026-04-03 03:37:16 UTC (2026-04-03)
Aftershock of the M5.6 mainshock.
On April 3, 2026 at 03:37 UTC, a magnitude 5.5 shallow crustal earthquake struck 112 km W of Ternate, Indonesia, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates 0.8485°, 126.3736°. The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 94 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 465, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Bitung (population 218,520).
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.6 mainshock that occurred 15 days ago 112 km ESE of Bitung, Indonesia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 47 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
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Earthquake Details
126.3736°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.5 earthquake near Ternate, Indonesia?
The magnitude 5.5 earthquake that struck 112 km W of Ternate, Indonesia on April 3, 2026 at 03:37 UTC had a depth of 35.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 0.8485°, 126.3736°, which is 112 km W of Ternate, Indonesia. The nearest populated place is Bitung (population 218,520). View all earthquakes in Indonesia.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.5 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.6 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.5 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.6 mainshock that occurred earlier 112 km ESE of Bitung, 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 5.5 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.