One Resident Dies Due to Manado Earthquake

One resident was found lifeless among the rubble of the Koni Building at Sario sports field in Manado City, North Sulawesi, following the Manado earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude on 2 April at 05.48 WIB. The victim of the Manado earthquake was immediately evacuated by a joint team along with local residents.

Based on field rapid assessment reports up to 08.00 WIB, infrastructure damage was also identified, including one place of worship in Pulau Batang Dua Subdistrict, Ternate City, and two houses in Ganbesi Ward, South Ternate Subdistrict.

“The earthquake jolt felt very strong in Bitung City and Ternate City with a duration of about 10 to 20 seconds, causing panic among residents who rushed out of their homes to save themselves,” said Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, on Thursday (2 April).

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and related agencies in various areas are currently continuing to monitor, assess, and coordinate emergency responses.

This earthquake phenomenon has also triggered a tsunami with varying height levels in several areas. The tsunami height levels recorded in West Halmahera reached 0.3 metres, Bitung 0.2 metres, Sidangoli 0.35 metres, North Minahasa 0.75 metres, and Belang 0.68 metres.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) emphasised that the arrival time of waves may vary and the first wave is not always the largest, so coastal residents are urged to remain alert and stay away from risk areas.

BMKG’s ongoing monitoring recorded 11 aftershock activities up to 06.50 WIB, with the largest magnitude reaching 5.5. Two significant aftershocks occurred at 06.07 WIB (M 5.5) and 06.12 WIB (M 5.2), which are not tsunami-prone.

BNPB advised residents, especially in coastal areas of North Sulawesi and North Maluku, to remain calm yet alert, immediately stay away from beaches and river mouths, and evacuate to higher ground if feeling strong tremors or receiving official warnings.

“Residents are asked to assist vulnerable groups, avoid damaged buildings, and refrain from spreading unverified information, relying only on official information from BMKG, BNPB, and local governments,” he said.

Data collection is still ongoing by local governments and related agencies, and information regarding the impact of this earthquake will be updated periodically.