M4.9 Earthquake Tual, Indonesia

On May 20, 2026 at 23:12 UTC, a magnitude 4.9 intermediate depth earthquake struck 258 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia, at a depth of 121.9 km and coordinates -6.1047°, 130.4649°. This earthquake was detected by 30 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 369, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 338 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.4 km — 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 6.2 mainshock that occurred 6 days ago 271 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for weeks to months 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

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Tual, Indonesia?

The magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck 258 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia on May 20, 2026 at 23:12 UTC had a depth of 121.9 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -6.1047°, 130.4649°, which is 258 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia. View all earthquakes in Indonesia.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.9 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M6.2 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.9 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.2 mainshock that occurred earlier 271 km WSW of Tual, 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 4.9 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.

M4.9 Earthquake 258 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia — May 20, 2026

Earthquake Details

Technical Information

Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)