5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Banggai Coast, Strongly Felt in Luwuk, No Tsunami Threat

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the ocean north of Banggai, Central Sulawesi, on Friday morning. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated that the quake, which struck at 06:28 WIB, did not have the potential to generate a tsunami. "The North Coast of Banggai region, Central Sulawesi, was rocked by a tectonic earthquake. BMKG analysis results show this earthquake has updated parameters with a magnitude of M5.4," said BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto, in a statement. "Modelling results show that this earthquake does not have tsunami potential," he added. The epicentre was located at sea, 72 km northeast of Puah Island, Central Sulawesi, at a depth of 99 km. The BMKG categorised it as a medium-depth earthquake resulting from rock deformation within the slab of the Sulawesi Sea Plate. Source mechanism analysis indicates the earthquake had a thrust fault movement mechanism. The BMKG reported that the tremor impacted and was felt in the Luwuk and Bone Bolango areas on the III-IV MMI intensity scale, indicating shaking felt by many people indoors during the day. The Gorontalo area experienced intensity III MMI, where vibrations are clearly felt indoors, akin to a passing truck. Pohuwatu, Boalemo and North Gorontalo registered intensity II-III MMI, felt by several people with hanging light objects swaying. The Taliabu area recorded intensity II MMI. To date, the BMKG stated no aftershocks have been detected. "As of 06:50 WIB, BMKG monitoring results have not shown any aftershock activity," said Wijayanto.