A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of North sulawesi, Indonesia on Saturday night, January 10, 2025, prompting a brief assessment for potential tsunami impacts across the region. While initially reported as a 7.1 magnitude quake, the Indonesian Meteorology, climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) revised the figure and confirmed no tsunami warning was issued. This report details the quake’s impact, felt across several cities in the region, and the ongoing monitoring by Indonesian authorities for aftershocks and potential further consequences.
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A significant 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the northern Philippines on Saturday night, January 10, 2025.
The quake, initially reported as magnitude 7.1, was later revised to a 6.4 magnitude by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). Daryono, the agency’s earthquake and tsunami director, stated the earthquake occurred at 9:58:25 p.m. local time near the eastern coast of the Talaud Islands in North Sulawesi.
According to updated parameters, the epicenter was located at 3.76° North Latitude and 126.95° East Longitude, approximately 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Melonguane, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 19 miles (31 km). “Considering the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, this earthquake was a shallow type caused by rock deformation within the Maluku Plate,” Daryono explained in a statement. “The source mechanism analysis indicates that the earthquake had an oblique normal movement.”
The earthquake was felt in Tobelo and Sitaro with an intensity of III-IV MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity), meaning it was felt indoors by many people. Residents in Morotai experienced an intensity of III MMI, where vibrations were clearly felt inside buildings. The cities of Ternate, Minahasa Utara, and Bitung reported intensities of II-III MMI. Importantly, modeling indicates the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat, Daryono said.
As of 10:20 p.m. local time, the BMKG had recorded one aftershock measuring 4.6 in magnitude.
“Ensure that official information comes only from the BMKG and is disseminated through verified communication channels,” Daryono urged.
(dce/dce)
