Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake Strikes Kendari, Triggered by Kendari Central Fault

The city of Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi was struck by a magnitude 4.5 tectonic earthquake on Friday night. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed the epicentre was on land and the earthquake was shallow in nature. BMKG Regional IV Chief Nasrol Adil explained that the epicentre was located 22 kilometres east of North Konawe at a very shallow depth of just 4 kilometres, causing strong vibrations felt by residents near the epicentre. Based on shaking map estimates and public reports, the quake’s effects spread across several regencies in Southeast Sulawesi. The highest intensity recorded was III-IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale in Kendari City and North Konawe Regency. At MMI IV intensity, shaking was felt strongly by many indoors, causing windows to rattle and walls to creak as if a heavy truck was passing by. Vibrations were also reported in Konawe and South Konawe regencies. As of the time of reporting, BMKG confirmed no official reports of structural damage from the earthquake. Residents were advised to remain calm and stay alert for possible aftershocks. By 10 PM WIB, BMKG monitoring showed three aftershocks had occurred, with the strength of subsequent quakes trending downward. People are urged to avoid damaged or cracked buildings and to rely only on official BMKG channels for information.