Tsunami Warning Lifted Following 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake in North Maluku

Jakarta, MINA – Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has officially ended the tsunami early warning following a 7.6 magnitude tectonic earthquake that struck southwest of Batang Dua Island, Ternate, North Maluku on Thursday.

The termination of the warning was announced at 09:56 AM WIB after monitoring results showed no further significant or dangerous rise in sea levels.

Head of BMKG, Teuku Faisal Fathani, explained in a press statement that during the early warning period, BMKG issued tsunami warnings three times in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP).

“The tsunami early warning was issued three times according to SOP, from the initial phase to field condition updates, before finally being terminated at 09:56 AM WIB,” Faisal said.

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BMKG recorded tsunami waves at several sea level monitoring points. Sea level heights were recorded as follows: West Halmahera at 0.30 meters, Gita at 0.24 meters, Bitung at 0.20 meters, another point in West Halmahera at 0.15 meters, Tadulako–Sangihe at 0.19 meters, Sidangoli at 0.35 meters, North Minahasa at 0.75 meters, Belang at 0.68 meters, and Bumbulan at 0.13 meters.

The highest sea level height was observed in North Minahasa, reaching 0.75 meters, followed by Belang at 0.68 meters. This data serves as an important basis for evaluating the tsunami threat status in affected areas.

Faisal emphasized that after the early warning status was lifted, rescue and damage assessment teams could immediately enter the affected areas for further handling.

“After the termination of the warning, SAR teams, BPBD, and building assessment teams can enter tsunami-affected locations to provide assistance and conduct damage assessments,” he said.

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Additionally, BMKG recorded that up to 09:50 AM WIB, there had been 48 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 3 to 5.5. Of these, two quakes were reported to have been felt by the public.

Although the tsunami status has ended, BMKG confirmed that aftershock activity continues to be intensively monitored together with local governments and related agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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