Jakarta, ThedailyID — A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the Sangihe Islands Regency in North Sulawesi on Wednesday morning, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
The earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m. local time. BMKG reported that the quake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.
The epicenter was located in the waters northeast of Tahuna, the capital of Sangihe Regency. Residents in several areas reportedly felt the tremor for several seconds.
However, BMKG confirmed that the earthquake did not have the potential to generate a tsunami. Authorities also urged the public to remain calm and rely only on official information.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Local authorities continue to monitor conditions in affected areas.
The quake occurred just days after a powerful earthquake off the southern Philippines triggered tsunami warnings across parts of eastern Indonesia and the Pacific region. Consequently, seismic activity in North Sulawesi remains under close observation.
Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes because the country sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. The region contains numerous tectonic plate boundaries and active volcanoes.
As a result, BMKG regularly reminds residents in earthquake-prone areas to stay prepared and understand evacuation procedures in case stronger tremors occur.
