Indonesia earthquake: Powerful 6.6 magnitude tremor strikes holiday spot loved by Brits | World | News

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on April 22, according to the local Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The agency reported the quake at around 10:17pm local time and noted that there was no threat of a tsunami. It hit 95km (59 miles) northeast of Melonguane – a town and district in Talaud Islands Regency in North Sulawesi province.

BMKG said: “An earthquake has occurred with magnitude: 6.6 SR, 95 km NorthEast KEP-TALAUD-SULUT, at: 22-Apr-25 10:17:17 UTC, No TSUNAMI threat (This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.)” The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also recorded a 5.7 magnitude earthquake 141km (87 miles) south-southwest of Banjar, West Java.

There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage to buildings from either earthquake.

However, BMKG warned of possible aftershocks following the Talaud Islands quake.

Elsewhere in Indonesia, the USGS reported today a 4.7 magnitude earthquake 60km (37 miles) east of Modisi – a town in South Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi Province.

The Survey also registered a 4.5 magnitude quake 153km (95 miles) west-southwest of Fakfak – a regency of West Papua province of Indonesia.

None of the earthquakes around the islands have caused any casualties or damage as yet, and there have been no reports of aftershocks or tsunamis.

Indonesia experiences thousands of earthquakes annually, primarily due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

While most are minor, some are significant and can cause damage and casualties. Earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.0 or lower occur almost daily, according to Mercy Corps. 

Indonesia is a destination much loved by British tourists, withover 335,000 choosing it for their holidays in 2023 alone.