A moderate Maluku earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 struck approximately 289 kilometres west of Tual in Kota Tual, Maluku, Indonesia, on Friday, November 6, 2026. According to seismic monitoring reported by Volcano Discovery, the tremor occurred at 05:37 pm GMT standard time. No immediate reports of major structural damage or casualties were recorded following the undersea event.
Key Takeaways
- A magnitude 4.1 earthquake occurred 289 km west of Tual, Maluku, Indonesia, on November 6, 2026.
- The tremor took place at 05:37 pm GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
- Multiple other earthquakes ranging from magnitude 2.5 to 4.4 were reported across Indonesian regions on the same date.
- No official tsunami warnings or major infrastructure damages were linked to the Tual offshore shock.
Details of the Maluku Earthquake Near Tual
The earthquake occurred off the coast of Kota Tual in the Maluku province, registering at a depth typical of regional offshore tectonic movements. According to data from Volcano Discovery, the seismic epicenter was calculated 289 kilometres west of Tual city center. The moderate intensity of magnitude 4.1 means the tremor was noticeable on sensitive instruments, though its distance from shore minimized direct impact on coastal communities.
Seismologists routinely track tremors in the Maluku region due to complex oceanic plate boundaries. Resident populations in Kota Tual typically remain unaffected by moderate deep-water shocks of this strength, though local monitoring agencies maintain vigilance for any secondary seismic shocks.
Widespread Seismic Activity Across Indonesia on November 6
The Maluku earthquake was part of a broader series of minor to moderate tremors recorded across the Indonesian archipelago on November 6, 2026. Earlier in the day, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake was detected in the Celebes Sea, located 187 kilometres north of Gorontalo in Kota Gorontalo, at 04:13 am GMT.
Additionally, localized activity was logged in central and western territories. A weak magnitude 2.5 earthquake occurred 59 kilometres southeast of Palu in Central Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tengah) at 09:36 pm local time (GMT +8). On the western front, a light magnitude 3.5 tremor hit the Indian Ocean, 44 kilometres west of Bengkulu, at 06:00 am local time (GMT +7), as noted in monitoring reports by Volcano Discovery.
Summary of Indonesian Earthquakes Recorded on November 6, 2026
Monitoring data highlights the range of seismic events registered across different provinces throughout the day:
| Location / Region | Magnitude | Distance & Epicenter | Time Recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kota Tual, Maluku | 4.1 | 289 km West of Tual | 05:37 pm GMT |
| Gorontalo, Celebes Sea | 4.4 | 187 km North of Gorontalo | 04:13 am GMT |
| Palu, Central Sulawesi | 2.5 | 59 km SE of Palu | 09:36 pm (GMT +8) |
| Bengkulu, Indian Ocean | 3.5 | 44 km West of Bengkulu | 06:00 am (GMT +7) |
Tectonic Context of the Maluku Sea Region
Indonesia sits squarely along the Pacific Rim of Fire, an active geological zone characterized by frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The Maluku archipelago is situated above intricate subduction zones where the Australian, Pacific, and Philippine Sea plates intersect. Offshore events near Tual frequently originate along these deep oceanic trenches.
While moderate earthquakes under magnitude 5.0 rarely generate severe shaking or destructive ocean surges, geological agencies monitor all events closely. Tracking moderate seismic events helps geophysicists analyze pressure release patterns along fault lines across the eastern Indonesian island chain.
Precautionary Measures and Monitoring Ahead
Local emergency management authorities in Maluku and surrounding provinces advise coastal residents to stay informed through official meteorological channels. Standard earthquake safety procedures encourage citizens to secure heavy indoor fixtures and maintain emergency contact readiness during routine seismic occurrences.
Seismological organizations continue to record real-time data from automated underwater sensor networks. Further updates regarding potential aftershocks will be published by geological monitoring bodies if significant new subterranean movements occur in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Maluku earthquake occur?
The magnitude 4.1 earthquake took place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 05:37 pm GMT.
Where was the epicenter of the Tual earthquake located?
The tremor occurred offshore in the ocean, approximately 289 kilometres west of Tual in Kota Tual, Maluku province, Indonesia.
Were there other earthquakes in Indonesia on the same day?
Yes, according to Volcano Discovery, other tremors recorded on November 6 included a 4.4 magnitude shock in the Celebes Sea near Gorontalo, a 2.5 magnitude quake near Palu, and a 3.5 magnitude tremor off Bengkulu.
