Impact of M 7.7 Earthquake: Several Residents' Houses Damaged in North Sulawesi

Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have been deployed to monitor various areas in North Sulawesi following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake at a depth of 105 kilometres.

“Following the incident, all Basarnas offices in North Sulawesi are monitoring the impacts caused by the earthquake,” stated the Head of Basarnas Manado, George Mercy Randang, in a statement on Monday (8/6).

Preliminary monitoring results indicate that tremors were felt across almost the entire North Sulawesi region, prompting residents to carry out self-evacuations to locations deemed safe.

“Initial reports from the island regions mention damage to residential buildings, public facilities, and places of worship, ranging from cracks to heavy damage due to the earthquake tremors,” he said.

However, Mercy noted that damage data is still being verified by relevant agencies on the ground.

“We, along with relevant parties, are continuously monitoring and documenting the post-earthquake situation to ensure the safety of the community and to maintain readiness should emergency actions, search, or rescue operations be required,” he added.

Mercy urged all residents of North Sulawesi to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid panic regarding the earthquake.

“The public is also requested to follow official information from BMKG and local governments, and to avoid spreading unverified information,” he said.

As of now, Mercy stated that his office has not received any reports of fatalities resulting from the earthquake that shook the North Sulawesi region.