A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck Indonesia’s Northern Molucca Sea on Thursday, resulting in one death, structural damage, and the generation of tsunami waves before warnings were rescinded. The tremor caused waves in at least five locations, with the highest wave reaching 0.75 meters in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia’s meteorological agency.
Approximately 50 aftershocks followed the main quake, including a significant one registering 5.8 magnitude. Initially, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued tsunami warnings predicting waves between 0.5 and 3 meters, but these alerts were later withdrawn as the situation stabilized. Similarly, US tsunami warning centers canceled their earlier advisories for the affected region.
Tragically, one person lost their life in Manado city when part of a building collapsed. Local police confirmed the fatality amid reports of widespread panic and power outages. Indonesian television broadcasts showed damaged buildings, while residents described strong tremors lasting between 10 and 20 seconds, causing items to fall from shelves in parts of North Sulawesi.
Indonesia’s disaster management agency reported initial assessments indicating minor to moderate damage to homes and a church, with further evaluations ongoing. Authorities cautioned the public to remain alert due to the likelihood of aftershocks and advised avoiding damaged structures for safety.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 580 kilometers south of the Philippine coast and about 1,000 kilometers from Malaysia’s Sabah region, occurring at a depth of 35 kilometers. Regional authorities confirmed there was no continuing tsunami threat. The Philippines’ seismology agency ruled out any destructive tsunami risk, while Malaysia reported no immediate danger but continued to monitor the situation closely.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center noted only minor wave activity might occur in parts of the Pacific, and Japan’s weather agency forecasted waves up to 0.2 meters, unlikely to cause damage. Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Officials emphasized the need for vigilance as aftershocks remain a possibility.
