7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Indonesia’s Maluku Sea, Tsunami Warnings Issued
A strong earthquake struck the Molucca Sea on April 2, 2026. The quake registered magnitude 7.4 with a depth of 35 kilometers.
Warnings and sea level readings
The quake prompted tsunami warnings that were later canceled. Indonesian authorities and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center lifted the alerts after further analysis.
Indonesia’s meteorological agency reported tsunami waves at five locations. North Minahasa recorded the highest wave at 0.75 meters.
Early models had suggested possible waves up to three meters. That worst-case danger period passed without major inundation.
Casualties, damage and local reaction
One person died in Manado after a sports-committee building collapsed. The victim was a 70-year-old woman trapped under rubble.
Local footage showed heavy structural damage and debris in public areas. Residents were filmed shouting and gathering near collapsed walls.
An AFP correspondent in Manado described people rushing outdoors. Students also evacuated school grounds as shaking continued.
Aftershocks and safety advice
About fifty aftershocks were recorded following the main shock. The strongest aftershock measured magnitude 5.8.
The national disaster agency urged residents to avoid damaged buildings. Officials warned that aftershocks could cause more collapses.
Technical details and regional response
The epicenter was roughly 126 kilometers northwest-west of Ternate. The US Geological Survey first listed the quake as magnitude 7.8.
USGS later revised the magnitude to 7.4 and adjusted depth from 10 to 35 kilometers. Neighboring countries reported no tsunami threat.
The Philippines and Malaysia confirmed no danger. Japan’s meteorological agency noted only a minor 0.2-meter sea-level change was possible.
Context and historical risk
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The region experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Past events include the 2022 West Java quake that killed hundreds. The 2018 Sulawesi disaster and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused thousands of deaths.
Ongoing monitoring
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity and sea levels. Residents are advised to follow official safety instructions.
Filmogaz.com will update readers as new information becomes available.
