Strong Earthquake Strikes Indonesia, Tsunami Alert Later Lifted

April 2, 2026

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s northern Molucca Sea on Thursday, killing one person and damaging several buildings. Tsunami waves were recorded in some locations following the quake, although all warnings were later lifted, and the likelihood of further major damage is low.

Tsunami Waves Recorded, Warning Withdrawn
According to Indonesia’s weather agency, BMKG, tsunami waves were recorded in five locations, with the highest being 0.75 meters in North Minahasa (North Sulawesi). Nearly 50 aftershocks were also recorded, the strongest of which was 5.8 meters. Waves of up to 3 meters were initially predicted, but the warning was later lifted.

US agencies also issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, which was later withdrawn.

One dead in Manado, buildings damaged
One person was killed in the city of Manado when debris from a sports department building collapsed and fell on him. According to initial reports, several homes and a church also suffered minor to moderate damage.

Plea for vigilance amid aftershocks
Indonesia’s disaster management agency has urged people to remain vigilant. Strong tremors were felt for 10 to 20 seconds in cities like Bitung and Ternate. People have been advised to stay away from damaged buildings and follow government instructions.

Tremor struck in seismic zone, damage limited
The earthquake struck in an active region of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’. Although the intensity was high and it occurred near densely populated areas, experts believe the likelihood of widespread damage is low.

The Philippines and Malaysia have also ruled out any major tsunami threat, while Japan has warned of minor sea waves.