A powerful earthquake struck Indonesia’s Maluku Sea region, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings for several coastal areas.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.6. It occurred on April 2, 2026, approximately 129 kilometers southeast of Bitung in North Sulawesi, at a reported depth of 62 kilometers. The United States Geological Survey calculated a slightly lower magnitude of 7.4.
Strong shaking was felt across parts of North Sulawesi and North Maluku, including the cities of Bitung and Ternate. Residents in several coastal communities were urged to move away from beaches and follow instructions from emergency officials.
Tsunami waves were later detected at multiple locations. Indonesia’s meteorological agency reported waves measuring approximately 30 centimeters in West Halmahera and 20 centimeters in Bitung, while other reports said the highest recorded wave reached about 75 centimeters in North Sulawesi.
At least one person was reported dead after a building collapsed, while several others were injured. Homes, a church and other buildings sustained minor to moderate damage, according to preliminary assessments.
The tsunami warnings were later lifted after monitoring showed that sea conditions had stabilized and the immediate threat had passed. Authorities nevertheless advised residents to remain cautious because of the possibility of strong aftershocks and additional structural damage.
Indonesia frequently experiences powerful earthquakes because it lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet.
Although the image describes the alert as breaking news, this earthquake occurred on April 2, 2026, and the tsunami warnings have since been withdrawn.
