Powerful Earthquake Shakes North Sulawesi,Felt Across Indonesia
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A meaningful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Melonguane, north Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, sending tremors as far as Ternate, North Maluku. The quake, occurring at 9:58 PM local time (21.58 WIB), prompted immediate assessments from the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG).
Earthquake Impact and Intensity
The BMKG reported that the earthquake’s effects varied across the region, measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. According to the agency, the quake was felt with intensities ranging from II to IV across several cities and towns.
Specifically, the reported intensities were:
- Tobelo: III-IV
- Sitaro: III-IV
- Ternate: II-III
- North Minahasa: II-III
- Bitung: II-III
- Morotai: III
These intensities correspond to specific experiences, as detailed by the BMKG. An MMI II rating indicates vibrations felt by several people, with light objects like hanging items swaying. At MMI III, vibrations are clearly felt inside buildings, often described as similar to a passing truck. The higher MMI IV level signifies vibrations felt by many indoors and some outdoors, possibly causing minor damage such as broken pottery and creaking walls.
Earthquake Details and Epicenter
The earthquake originated at a depth of 17 kilometers beneath the surface. A senior official stated, “The epicenter of the earthquake was in the sea 52 km southeast of Melonguane.” The agency confirmed that the seismic event was widely felt and transmitted throughout the surrounding communities.
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The relatively shallow depth of the earthquake likely contributed to the widespread perception of shaking, even at considerable distances. While initial reports do not indicate widespread catastrophic damage, ongoing assessments are crucial to determine the full extent of the impact on infrastructure and local populations.
What happened? A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on January 10, 2026, at 9:58 PM local time. Who felt it? The quake was felt across a wide area, including North Sulawesi, North Maluku, and surrounding communities. Intensity levels ranged from MMI II to IV, meaning vibrations were felt by many, with some reports of minor damage. How did it happen? The earthquake originated 17 kilometers beneath the sea, 52 kilometers southeast of Melonguane, and was likely intensified by its shallow depth. how did it end? As of this report, the earthquake has ended, but authorities are conducting ongoing assessments for aftershocks and damage. The BMKG has not issued a tsunami warning, and initial reports suggest no widespread catastrophic damage, though a full assessment is underway.
