M5.1 Earthquake 127 km WNW of Ternate, Indonesia — April 17, 2026
2026-04-17 23:29:37 UTC (1 day ago)
Aftershock of the M5.2 mainshock.
On April 17, 2026 at 23:29 UTC, a magnitude 5.1 shallow crustal earthquake struck 127 km WNW of Ternate, Indonesia, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates 1.2073°, 126.3204°. This earthquake was detected by 69 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 400, placing it among routine seismic activity.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred 6 days ago 88 km WNW of Ternate, Indonesia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 4 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
Earthquake Details
126.3204°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.1 earthquake near Ternate, Indonesia?
The magnitude 5.1 earthquake that struck 127 km WNW of Ternate, Indonesia on April 17, 2026 at 23:29 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 1.2073°, 126.3204°, which is 127 km WNW of Ternate, Indonesia. View all earthquakes in Indonesia.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.1 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.2 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.1 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred earlier 88 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 5.1 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.