A MAGNITUDE 5.7 earthquake struck waters off North Sulawesi before dawn on Sunday, sending tremors across parts of Bolaang Mongondow while prompting authorities to assure residents that no tsunami threat had been detected.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake occurred at 1.56am WIB, with its epicentre located approximately 124 kilometres southeast of Tutuyan in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency.
The undersea earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, with the epicentre recorded at coordinates 0.26 degrees South latitude and 125.07 degrees East longitude.
Although the quake was felt across several districts in North Sulawesi, authorities reported varying levels of intensity and no immediate indications of significant damage.
The strongest shaking was experienced in Nuangan, East Bolaang Mongondow, where residents reported tremors reaching Levels III to IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. In Pinolosian Timur, South Bolaang Mongondow, and Motongkad in East Bolaang Mongondow, the earthquake was felt at Level III intensity.
At Level III MMI, vibrations are distinctly felt indoors and can resemble the sensation of a heavy vehicle passing nearby. Level IV MMI shaking is generally noticeable to many people indoors and some outdoors, and may cause windows, doors and household items to rattle.
BMKG said modelling of the earthquake confirmed that it posed no tsunami risk to coastal communities.
The agency also reported that, as of 2.15am WIB, monitoring stations had not detected any aftershocks following the main seismic event.
Despite the absence of a tsunami threat and the lack of recorded aftershocks, BMKG urged residents to remain alert while avoiding unnecessary panic. - June 7, 2026