Magnitude 5.9 quake hits off Indonesia

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck off Indonesia's Moluccas Islands at a depth of 36.5km below the seabed, the USGS says.

A magnitude 5.9 quake has struck off Indonesia in the Moluccas, the US Geological Survey says.

The quake, which struck at 2.30am on Monday, was centred 85.3km northwest of Ternate at a depth of 36.5km below the seabed. The USGS originally reported the quake had a 6.1 magnitude.

A magnitude 5.9 is considered moderate and can cause considerable damage when on land.

Indonesia is in the so-called Ring of Fire and is earthquake-prone.