BMKG: M5.8 Ternate Earthquake Caused by Subduction Activity

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stated that the tectonic earthquake which shook Ternate, North Maluku, on Friday morning was caused by subduction activity. Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG, Wijayanto, explained that considering the epicentre location and hypocentre depth, the earthquake was a shallow type resulting from subduction activity. Source mechanism analysis indicates the earthquake had a thrust fault movement mechanism.

Based on the shakemap estimation, the earthquake was felt at intensity V MMI on Batang Dua Island, Ternate City, where vibrations were felt by almost all residents, causing many to run outside in surprise. Light damage was reported, including falling wall plaster and damage to factory chimneys. The tremor was felt at intensity IV MMI in Kayoa, South Halmahera, Ternate City, and Tondano City, where it was felt by many people indoors and some outdoors, causing pottery to break, windows and doors to rattle, and walls to creak.

As of 06:25 WIB, BMKG monitoring had not detected any aftershock activity. The agency appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by unverified information, while advising them to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged due to the earthquake. The public is urged to ensure that official information is obtained only from BMKG through verified official communication channels. The tectonic earthquake struck the Ternate region on 24 July 2026 at 05:58:34 WIB. BMKG analysis showed the earthquake had updated parameters with a magnitude of 5.7 at a depth of 27 kilometres. The epicentre was located at coordinates 0.75° N and 126.33° E, precisely in the sea 115 kilometres southwest of Ternate, North Maluku. Tsunami modelling confirmed the earthquake had no tsunami potential.