A 6.7-magnitude earthquake strikes the Maluku Islands without tsunami warning

Monday 14 July 2025 - 08:45

Indonesia experienced another significant earthquake on Monday, as a 6.7-magnitude tremor was recorded off the coast of the Maluku Islands in the eastern part of the country, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Despite the strength of the quake, no tsunami threat was issued.

The earthquake occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time (05:49 GMT), at a depth of 80 kilometers, approximately 177 kilometers west of the coastal city of Tual, located in the Maluku province. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly confirmed there was no danger of a tsunami, a message echoed by Indonesia’s geophysics agency, which reassured the population through social media.

No damage or injuries have been reported so far, though local authorities remain on alert to monitor any aftershocks or secondary effects.

Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is no stranger to seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a zone where tectonic plates frequently collide. The country still remembers recent tragedies, including the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Sulawesi in 2021, killing over 100 people, and the devastating 2018 earthquake and tsunami in Palu, which claimed more than 2,200 lives.

This latest event serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s ongoing seismic vulnerability and the importance of preparedness, even when earthquakes cause no immediate harm.