Indonesia Issues Tsunami Alert After 7.4-Magnitude Quake

Indonesia issued a tsunami warning for the Talaud Islands, North Sulawesi, on Friday after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine Sea. The alert affects coastal areas and aims to ensure residents remain cautious and prepared.

Earthquake Epicenter And Details

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was at 7.23° North Latitude and 126.83° East Longitude, approximately 275 kilometers northwest of Karatung Island, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 58 kilometers. The quake was classified as shallow and caused by subduction activity with a thrust fault mechanism, as explained by Daryono, Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG.

Coastal Areas Under Tsunami Alert

Based on modeling results, the earthquake has the potential to trigger a tsunami, prompting an Alert warning for coastal areas of the Talaud Islands, Bitung City, southern North Minahasa, southern Minahasa, and Supiori in Papua. Residents in these areas are advised to move to higher ground and avoid the beaches until the warning is lifted.

Tremors Felt In North Sulawesi

The tremors were strongly felt in Tahuna, registering intensity IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, noticeable to many people indoors. In Manado, the shaking reached intensity II, felt by some residents and causing light movement of objects. No damage or casualties have been reported so far.

Safety Measures And Public Advisory

BMKG urged the public to stay alert and calm, avoid unverified information, and follow instructions from local authorities. Coastal residents were specifically advised to move to higher ground and remain away from the shore until the official warning is officially lifted.

Current Status Of Aftershocks

As of 9:14 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (UTC+7), no aftershocks have been detected. The agency continues to monitor seismic activity closely and will provide updates as needed to ensure public safety.

Preparedness And Awareness

Authorities in North Sulawesi and nearby regions are taking measures to prepare emergency responses in case the tsunami warning escalates. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, maintain communication with local emergency services, and follow official guidance to reduce risks.

Importance Of Following Official Guidance

Daryono emphasized that residents should rely only on official sources for information and avoid unverified news. Proper awareness and quick action are key to protecting lives and preventing panic in coastal areas.

The earthquake and resulting tsunami alert highlight Indonesia’s vulnerability to seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to prioritize safety while staying informed through official channels.