4.6

M4.6 Earthquake 117 km NW of Ternate, IndonesiaApril 24, 2026

2026-04-24 08:41:38 UTC (3 hours ago)

Aftershock of the M5.1 mainshock.

On April 24, 2026 at 08:41 UTC, a magnitude 4.6 shallow crustal earthquake struck 117 km NW of Ternate, Indonesia, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates 1.5616°, 126.6602°. This earthquake was detected by 23 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 326, placing it among routine seismic activity.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred 20 days ago 128 km E of Bitung, Indonesia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 21 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

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 1.56°, 126.66°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.6 mb
Depth
35.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
1.5616°N
126.6602°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000ssih
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
326
Stations Used
23
Azimuthal Gap
105.0°
Min Station Distance
7.143°
RMS Residual
1.63 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-24 09:28:50 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.6 earthquake near Ternate, Indonesia?

The magnitude 4.6 earthquake that struck 117 km NW of Ternate, Indonesia on April 24, 2026 at 08:41 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 1.5616°, 126.6602°, which is 117 km NW of Ternate, Indonesia. View all earthquakes in Indonesia.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.6 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.6 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 128 km E 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 4.6 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.