BMKG: 1,184 Tectonic Earthquakes Shook North Sulawesi During May

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Geophysics Station in Manado recorded 1,184 tectonic earthquakes that shook the North Sulawesi region and its surroundings throughout May 2026. The seismic activity was dominated by shallow earthquakes triggered by dynamics in the upper earth’s crust.

Coordinator for Data and Information at the Manado Geophysics Station, Muhammad Zulkifli, explained that of the total, 919 events were shallow earthquakes. Meanwhile, 259 events were classified as intermediate-depth earthquakes and six events were categorised as deep earthquakes.

“Based on the distribution of hypocentre depths, seismic activity was dominated by shallow earthquakes occurring in the upper earth’s crust,” Zulkifli stated in Manado on Wednesday (1/7).

BMKG data showed the earthquake magnitudes varied considerably, ranging from a minimum of M1.7 to a maximum of M7.7. Out of the total 1,184 events, nine earthquakes were reportedly felt by residents across various regions.

Areas that experienced the tremors included Morotai, North Halmahera, Toli-Toli, North Gorontalo Regency, Batang Dua, Ternate, West Halmahera, and Gorontalo. Shaking was also felt in South Halmahera, East Halmahera, Parigi Moutong, Manado, Minahasa, Palu, Bitung, East Bolaang Mongondow, and Central Halmahera.

Zulkifli added that based on the seismicity map and epicentre distribution, the earthquake activity during the May 2026 period was concentrated in three main areas: the Maluku Sea, Tomini Bay, and the Sulawesi Sea. The high frequency of earthquakes reflects the active tectonic dynamics in the plate convergence zone and subduction areas around North Sulawesi and North Maluku. The public is advised to remain alert yet calm in facing the tectonic activity in the region.