Aftershocks Still Threaten, North Sulawesi Disaster Management Agency Remains on Alert in Coastal Areas
The North Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has confirmed that coastal areas, which were previously under a tsunami warning following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake, are now relatively safe. However, the public has been urged to remain vigilant in anticipation of potential aftershocks that continue to occur.
The Head of BPBD North Sulawesi, Adolf H. Tamengkel, stated on Monday (8/6) that several regions facing the sea, including North Bolaang Mongondow Regency, South Minahasa, Manado City, and Bitung City, remain on alert status. “Monitoring results show that measured wave heights are very low. In Tahuna, waves were recorded at approximately 0.3 metres, while in Ulu Siau, Sitaro Islands Regency, they were around 0.18 metres,” Adolf told reporters on Monday afternoon.
He noted that the tsunami impact observed in several island regions did not cause significant damage. In Bitung and Melonguane, wave heights were recorded at only about 30 centimetres, according to information from BMKG. Similar conditions were reported in Tahuna and Ulu Siau. Meanwhile, Manado City has reportedly not experienced any significant impact from the phenomenon.
“If there is any impact, it is very minimal. What we are most concerned about is the aftershocks, as they are still occurring,” he explained. The North Sulawesi BPBD continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with BMKG to ensure the latest developments are tracked. Local authorities have also advised the public, particularly those in coastal and island areas, to follow official government information and avoid unverified news. Additionally, residents are advised to temporarily postpone non-essential sea travel until conditions are declared completely safe.
Separately, the Head of Basarnas Manado, George Mercy Randang, reported that three residents sustained minor injuries following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake this morning. “The latest information we have received is that there are three people with minor injuries, and we are still investigating the extent of house damage,” Mercy told reporters on Monday. According to the reports, two houses in the Sangihe Islands Regency sustained light damage. Basarnas teams across North Sulawesi are currently monitoring affected areas and directing residents to safe locations. Although BMKG has lifted the early tsunami warning, residents near the coastline are advised to remain cautious.