M4.5 Earthquake near Banda Sea — May 4, 2026
2026-05-04 22:58:52 UTC (2026-05-04) · approx. 7:58 AM UTC+9 local
Aftershock of the M5.3 mainshock.
On May 4, 2026 at 22:58 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck near Banda Sea, at a depth of 153.6 km and coordinates -6.5631°, 129.8923°. This earthquake was detected by 13 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 15 days ago near Banda Sea. 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.
Earthquake Details
129.8923°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Banda Sea?
The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck near Banda Sea on May 4, 2026 at 22:58 UTC had a depth of 153.6 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -6.5631°, 129.8923°, which is near Banda Sea.
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 near Banda Sea. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000sxgi). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 4, 2026). M4.5 Earthquake near Banda Sea — May 4, 2026. Retrieved May 20, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000sxgi/