A strong earthquake with a magnitude of around 7.4–7.6 hit the Northern Molucca Sea region off Indonesia’s eastern coast in the early hours of Thursday, April 2, 2026. The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of around 35 km, making the shaking especially powerful and widely felt.
🧨 Tsunami Alert & Waves
In the immediate aftermath:
- Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal regions of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, with authorities initially alerting that waves could reach dangerous heights in some areas.
- Small tsunami waves were recorded up to 0.75 meters above normal sea level in parts of North Sulawesi.
- After detailed monitoring, early warnings — including the tsunami alert from international warning centers — were officially lifted later in the morning, as sea conditions returned to normal.
Authorities stressed that the risk of a large, destructive tsunami remains low, but residents were urged to remain cautious until the situation stabilized.
🧍♂️ Casualties and Damage
Tragically, at least one person — a 70‑year‑old woman — was reported killed when part of a building collapsed due to the strong shaking.
Several buildings, including homes and some public structures like a church, sustained minor to moderate damage in cities such as Manado and Ternate, where residents described intense tremors that lasted 10–20 seconds.
Emergency response teams are actively assessing damage and assisting with recovery in the affected areas.
🔁 Aftershocks and Safety Warnings
Disaster agencies reported dozens of aftershocks, including some registering above magnitude 5.0. These increasing tremors can pose additional hazards for already damaged structures.
Officials have issued safety recommendations, including:
✅ Avoid returning to damaged buildings
✅ Stay away from coastal and low‑lying areas until advised
✅ Follow guidance from Indonesia’s disaster management agencies
