28 Feb 2023 | 03:26 PM UTC
Indonesia: Magnitude-5.1 offshore earthquake occurs in the Molucca Sea to the east of North Sulawesi Province Feb. 28
Magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs east of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, at around 22:42 Feb. 28. No immediate reports of damage.
Event
A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred in the Molucca Sea to the east of North Sulawesi Province at around 22:42 Feb. 28. The epicenter was about 109 km (68 miles) east of Manado, North Sulawesi Province. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 70 km (43 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout much of North Sulawesi and parts of western North Maluku provinces. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light 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, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
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.
