5.7

M5.7 Earthquake 45 km W of Gunungsitoli, IndonesiaApril 18, 2026

2026-04-18 20:06:51 UTC (22 hours ago)

Maximum shaking intensity MMI 5.6 (strong).

green Alertno significant casualties or damage expected

On April 18, 2026 at 20:06 UTC, a magnitude 5.7 shallow crustal earthquake struck 45 km W of Gunungsitoli, Indonesia, at a depth of 18.0 km and coordinates 1.2529°, 97.2066°. The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 89 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 500, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Afulu (population 1,481).

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

Nearest Populated Places

Afulupop. 1,481
MMI 5.4 (strong)
Gunungsitolipop. 137,104
MMI 4.1 (moderate)
Gomopop. 1,344
MMI 3.5 (light)
Subulussalampop. 78,801
MMI 3.1 (light)
Tarutungpop. 1,305
MMI 2.8 (weak)
Sibolgapop. 94,971
MMI 2.7 (weak)
Map showing earthquake epicenter at 1.25°, 97.21°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
5.7 mww
Depth
18.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
1.2529°N
97.2066°E
Intensity (MMI)
5.6
strong

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000sr5z
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
500
Stations Used
89
Azimuthal Gap
62.0°
Min Station Distance
0.372°
RMS Residual
0.84 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-18 22:34:20 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.7 earthquake near Gunungsitoli, Indonesia?

The magnitude 5.7 earthquake that struck 45 km W of Gunungsitoli, Indonesia on April 18, 2026 at 20:06 UTC had a depth of 18.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 1.2529°, 97.2066°, which is 45 km W of Gunungsitoli, Indonesia. The nearest populated place is Afulu (population 1,481). View all earthquakes in Indonesia.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.7 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.

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 5.7 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.