Philippines Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Potential; Alert Status in Minahasa-Manado

The Meteorology, Climatage, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the South Mindanao coastal region of the Philippines at approximately 06:37 WIB. The epicentre was located at coordinates 5.80° N; 125.14° E, specifically in the sea at a distance of 244 km northwest of Karatung Island, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 47 km.

“Modelling results indicate that this earthquake has tsunami potential, with a SIAGA (Alert) status in Minahasa, Bolaangmongondow, Manado City, North Minahasa, South Minahasa, Buol, Sangihe Islands, Gorontalo, Talaud Islands, Minahasa Islands, Toli-toli, Palu City, Donggala, Ternate City, and Bitung City,” stated Wijayanto, Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG, in a written statement on Monday (8/6).

He added that a WASPADA (Warning) status has been issued for Tidore City, Bulungan, Nunukan, Halmahera, Tarakan City, North Halmahera, East Kutai, South Minahasa, Bontang City, and Berau.

As of 07:00 WIB, Wijayanto noted that BMKG monitoring has detected aftershock activity, with the largest recorded at a magnitude of 6.7. Residents are advised to ensure that official information is sourced only from verified BMKG communication channels.