M 6.0 Aftershock in Sangihe Felt as Far as North Gorontalo

A magnitude 6.0 aftershock occurred in the Celebes Sea on Monday (8/6) morning, with vibrations felt as far as the North Gorontalo Regency. The Head of the Gorontalo Geophysical Station, Dr Andri Wijaya, stated that the earthquake was centred in Tahuna, Sangihe Islands, North Sulawesi Province. He noted that tsunami warnings remain in effect, with updated data currently at Early Warning (PD) status 3.

Residents in North Gorontalo, such as Hamid Rauf, reported moments of panic, particularly in the Pelabuhan hamlet of Katialada Village, Kwandang District. “We were afraid due to the tsunami warning; I temporarily halted my activities to pray, and I even felt dizzy and worried,” said Hamid, a mobile fish vendor.

Another resident, Iskandar, mentioned that they are continuously monitoring sea levels at Kwandang Port. Some coastal residents have already begun self-evacuation. “The information circulating regarding the tsunami alert status prompted residents to act without waiting for further government updates, gradually carrying out self-evacuation without widespread panic,” he said.

Ervina, a teacher at SMA Negeri 1 North Gorontalo, stated that the school has sent all students home. “The bell was rung to signal that children could return home, as many parents were contacting us as class teachers to seek the latest information from the school. Thankfully, the school environment remains conducive, but the children have been sent home,” Ervina added.