M4.6 Earthquake Strikes Near Timor-Leste

Pante Makasar, Timor-Leste — A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near the north coast of Timor island early Saturday, hitting at 4:07 AM Central Time about 32 miles north of Pante Makasar at a depth of roughly 56 miles.

What happened: The U.S. Geological Survey places the epicenter in the waters of the Ombai Strait, between Timor-Leste and Indonesia's Alor island. The quake occurred at intermediate depth, in the complex collision zone where the Australian Plate pushes into Southeast Asia.

Impacts: No felt reports have been submitted to the USGS. A 4.6 at this depth and distance from shore would typically produce, at most, a brief light tremor in coastal communities. No tsunami advisory was issued and no damage is expected.

What to do:

- If you feel shaking, drop, cover, and hold on until it stops.

- Stay clear of windows and tall furniture that could tip.

- Report what you felt to local authorities — felt reports help scientists map shaking.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 17, 2026.