A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude struck the Northern Molucca Sea in eastern Indonesia on April 2, causing strong tremors across the region, triggering panic, and briefly prompting a tsunami warning. The quake resulted in one fatality and led to damage to several buildings, including homes and a church.
The seismic event occurred at approximately 7:48 am local time, with its epicentre located about 127 kilometres north-west of Ternate. Tremors were felt for around 10 to 20 seconds in areas such as Bitung City and Ternate City, creating widespread alarm among residents.
Indonesia’s national disaster agency noted that while the initial damage appeared to range from minor to moderate, the situation still required caution due to the possibility of aftershocks. Authorities began assessing the full extent of the damage as reports continued to emerge from affected areas.
Following the quake, Indonesia’s meteorological agency (BMKG) confirmed that tsunami waves reached at least five coastal locations. The highest wave recorded was 0.75 metres in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, although early projections had warned of the possibility of waves as high as 3 metres.
In the hours after the main earthquake, officials recorded 11 aftershocks, with the strongest measuring 5.5 in magnitude. Residents were advised to remain vigilant as seismic activity continued.
Initial international warnings had indicated that dangerous tsunami waves could impact coastal regions of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia within a 1,000-kilometre radius. However, these broader warnings were later lifted after assessments showed no significant ongoing threat.
