Powerful M 7.7 Earthquake in Philippines, Tsunami Hits 3 Indonesian Regions
Tsunamis have been detected in three Indonesian regions following a 7.7 magnitude tectonic earthquake that struck the southern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, on Monday (8/6/2026). The BMKG recorded tsunami heights reaching up to 0.19 metres.
“Tsunamis have been recorded in three locations,” stated BMKG Deputy for Geophysics, Nelly Florida Riama, during a virtual press conference on Monday. According to BMKG data, a tsunami was detected in Kedi, North Maluku, at 0.7:20 WIB with a height of 0.09 metres. Subsequently, waves were recorded in Ulu Siau at 07:27 WIB with a height of 0.18 metres, and in Melonguane at the same time with a height of 0.19 metres.
Previously, the BMKG reported that the southern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, was shaken by a tectonic earthquake, with the magnitude updated to M 7.7 on Monday morning. The earthquake occurred at coordinates 5.80°N and 125.14°E, specifically located in the sea at a distance of 244 kilometres northwest of Karatung Island, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 47 kilometres.
The earthquake triggered tsunami early warnings for several Indonesian regions. The BMKG issued alerts for North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, North Maluku, and East Kalimantan.
Based on BMKG modelling, several areas are under high alert (Siaga) or caution (Waspada), including the Sangihe Islands, Manado, North Minahasa, and parts of Gorontalo, Buol, and Toli-Toli. Cautionary alerts were also issued for the Talaud Islands, Bitung, Halmahera, Donggala, Ternate, East Kutai, Bulungan, and Nunukan.
The BMKG has issued directives for local governments based on the current warning status:
Provincial/Regency/City governments under ‘Awas’ (Danger) status are expected to monitor the situation and immediately direct the public to undergo full evacuation.
Governments under ‘Siaga’ (Alert) status are expected to monitor the situation and immediately direct the public to evacuate.
Governments under ‘Waspada’ (Caution) status are expected to monitor the situation and immediately direct the public to stay away from coasts and riverbanks.