Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Tual, Maluku

An intermediate-magnitude 4.5 earthquake was recorded on Saturday morning near Tual, Kota Tual, Maluku, Indonesia, adding to the region’s long history of seismic activity. The tremor was detected at 9:14 am local time and originated at an estimated depth of 78 km, according to the citizen-seismograph network RaspberryShake.

Seismologists noted that the magnitude, depth and epicenter may still be refined as more data flows in. Earthquake parameters often undergo revision within hours as multiple monitoring stations verify readings and update calculations.

Shortly after the initial reading, Indonesia’s official Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) released its own update, confirming the event as a magnitude 4.5 quake — aligning with the independent RaspberryShake report.

Where the Earthquake Was Felt

The epicenter was located offshore, about 105 km from Tual, a coastal city with a population of nearly 90,000. Residents within this radius may have experienced very weak to light shaking, though no structural damage or injuries have been reported so far.

Local witnesses shared that the shaking felt brief and mild, typical of deeper quakes in the region. Because of its depth and moderate intensity, the tremor did not generate tsunami concerns.

A Region Prone to Seismic Activity

Maluku lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. Earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon, but they serve as a reminder of the constant geological activity beneath the Indonesian archipelago.

Authorities and monitoring networks continue to track aftershocks or changes in seismic patterns, although none have been reported yet.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Inputs

Platforms such as VolcanoDiscovery and RaspberryShake have begun updating the event in real time. They will revise the magnitude or depth if new data warrants it.

Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to submit firsthand tremor experiences through online reporting tools or mobile apps, helping scientists build a clearer picture of the quake’s impact.

While Saturday’s earthquake caused no known damage, it reinforces the importance of earthquake preparedness in seismically active regions like Maluku.