BNPB: 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake in Bitung Triggers Small Tsunami Waves

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) detected a tectonic earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude that shook the southeastern region of Bitung City, North Sulawesi, triggering small tsunami waves in several coastal areas.

Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, in Jakarta on Thursday, stated that the earthquake occurred at 05:48 WIB with its epicentre in the sea at coordinates 1.25 degrees North Latitude (LU) and 126.25 degrees East Longitude (BT) at a depth of 62 kilometres.

Based on monitoring from the early warning system, tsunami waves of approximately 0.3 metres were detected in West Halmahera at 06:08 WIB and 0.2 metres in Bitung at 06:15 WIB.

“Although relatively small, this situation still requires vigilance because the potential for follow-up waves remains possible,” he said.

Up to 07:00 WIB, two aftershocks were recorded, measuring 5.5 magnitude at 06:07 WIB and 5.2 magnitude at 06:12 WIB, both centred in the sea and posing no tsunami potential.

BNPB noted initial impacts including minor to moderate damage in Ternate City, such as one place of worship in Pulau Batang Dua Subdistrict and two houses in Ganbesi Ward, Ternate Selatan Subdistrict.

BNPB advises residents in coastal areas of North Sulawesi and North Maluku to stay away from the beaches and not return to vulnerable areas until an official safety statement is issued by the government.

The public is also urged to remain calm, follow instructions from authorities, and avoid spreading unverified information.