Moderate M 5.0 Earthquake Strikes Near Luwuk, Indonesia

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 (mb) was recorded on March 24, 2026, at 02:12:13 UTC. The seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The earthquake has been reviewed by seismologists at the USGS.

Location Details

The epicenter was located approximately 110 km west-northwest of Luwuk, Indonesia, at coordinates 0.5352°S latitude and 121.8871°E longitude. The recorded depth of 10 km is considered shallow; earthquakes occurring at depths of less than 20 km are typically felt more intensely at the surface than intermediate (20-70 km) or deep (>70 km) events.

Impact Assessment

According to the USGS data, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect for this event. No felt reports have been officially recorded at this time, and no specific alert level color has been assigned to the earthquake.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake is classified as a “moderate” event. While such earthquakes are noticeable and can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, they typically result in little to no damage to earthquake-resistant structures. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, which are routine following an event of this magnitude.

Source

Information and data provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.