Key moments
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia at 6:48 AM local time on April 2, 2026, in the Northern Molucca Sea, approximately 120 kilometers from Ternate, North Maluku province. The earthquake resulted in at least one confirmed fatality and damage to several buildings in the region.
Following the earthquake, small tsunami waves were recorded, with heights reaching 20 cm in Bitung and 30 cm in West Halmahera. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning for possible hazardous tsunami waves within a 1,000 km radius of the epicenter, but this warning was lifted after assessments indicated no further threat.
Residents experienced strong shaking that lasted between 10 to 20 seconds. Reports indicate that a 70-year-old woman died due to falling debris in North Sulawesi. Additionally, power outages were reported in parts of the affected region, causing further distress among the local population.
Two aftershocks were recorded following the main quake; however, neither posed a tsunami threat. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 km, which is typical for seismic activity in this region.
Indonesia is located on significant seismic fault lines and frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position on the Ring of Fire. This latest earthquake serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic risks faced by the country.
Local residents shared their experiences of the earthquake. Isvara Safitri described the intensity, stating, “It was really strong… My head even felt dizzy.” Another resident, Marten Mandagi, recounted, “We had just woken up, and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house.” Budi Nurgianto noted the panic among the community, saying, “When I went outside, there were many people outside. They were panicked…”
Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the disaster management agency, urged caution among coastal communities, stating, “At this stage, caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast.” As the situation develops, further assessments will be conducted to evaluate the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
