23 Jan 2023 | 07:07 PM UTC
Indonesia: Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs in Molucca Sea at around 03:17 WIT Jan. 24
Magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurs northwest of North Maluku, Indonesia, at around 03:17 WIT Jan. 24. No immediate reports of damage, injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurred in the Molucca Sea at around 03:17 WIT Jan. 24. The epicenter was approximately 162 km (101 miles) northwest of Tobelo. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 12 km (7 miles), and weak-to-light shaking was probably felt throughout northern and central North Maluku Province and northern North Sulawesi Province. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible where shaking occurred.
Advice
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
