M7.6 Bitung Earthquake, BNPB: Tsunami and 2 Aftershocks Occurred

JAKARTA - A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 shook the sea area southeast of Bitung City, North Sulawesi Province, Thursday, April 2 at 05.48 WIB. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported a tsunami and two aftershocks.

Based on the update data, the epicenter was at the coordinates of 1.25 North Latitude and 126.25 East Longitude with a depth of 62 kilometers.

The tremors were reported to be very strong for 10 to 20 seconds in Bitung City and its surroundings. The tremors were also felt strongly in Ternate City, North Maluku Province, causing residents to panic and rush out of their homes.

Until 07.00 WIB, two aftershocks were recorded, with a magnitude of 5.5 at 06.07 WIB and a magnitude of 5.2 at 06.12 WIB. Both aftershocks were centered in the sea and were not tsunami-potential, but were still felt by the community.

Initial impacts showed minor to moderate damage in the Ternate City area. One worship unit in the Batang Dua Island District was reported to have been affected, while two houses in Ganbesi Village, South Ternate District, were damaged.

Meanwhile, in Bitung City, data collection on the impact is still being carried out by the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).

Based on the monitoring of the early warning system, a tsunami wave with a relatively small height, namely around 0.3 meters in the West Halmahera area at 06.08 WIB and 0.2 meters in Bitung at 06.15 WIB was detected.

Even though it is small, this condition still requires vigilance because the potential for aftershocks can still occur.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official government directives.

"The public in coastal areas is expected to stay away from the beach for a while until there is an official statement of safety. We also appeal for calm and not to be easily provoked by unverified information," said Abdul Muhari.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) ensures that monitoring and updating information will continue to be carried out as the situation on the ground progresses.