TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ternate City Government has declared a seven-day state of emergency following a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the waters off Batang Dua on Thursday morning, April 2, 2026. The disaster has claimed at least one life and triggered small tsunami waves across North Maluku and North Sulawesi.
Ternate Mayor Tauhid Soleman announced that the emergency response period, effective immediately, is designed to expedite coordinated relief efforts. "Today, I will sign the decree for the state of emergency. I have also instructed the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to deploy to disaster locations in Batang Dua, Moti, and Pulau Ternate," Tauhid told Tempo following a management meeting on Thursday.
The earthquake, which struck at 07:48 local time with an epicenter 62 kilometers deep, caused widespread panic. While residents in Ternate have reportedly begun returning to their homes, significant damage to schools, places of worship, and residential buildings has been confirmed. Some schools in the affected areas have suspended activities indefinitely.
Casualty and Infrastructure Damage
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported one fatality in Manado City. Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, confirmed that a resident was found dead among the rubble of the KONI building at the Sario Sports Field.
"The victim was found buried under building materials and has been evacuated by a joint team of Basarnas, the BPBD, and local residents," Muhari stated.
In Ternate, a rapid assessment by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded damage to a house of worship in the Pulau Batang Dua District and two homes in Gambesi Village, South Ternate. Rizal Marsaoly, Head of the Ternate Disaster Management Task Force, confirmed that emergency posts have been activated at the former Mayor’s office to distribute basic necessities to victims in Batang Dua.
Tsunami Warnings and Aftershocks
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the quake triggered minor tsunami waves in several locations. Recorded heights reached 0.75 meters in North Minahasa, 0.68 meters in Belang, and 0.3 meters in West Halmahera.
BMKG officials warned that tsunami arrival times can vary, and the initial wave is not always the largest. As of 06:50 Jakarta time, at least 11 aftershocks had been recorded, with the strongest measuring magnitude 5.5.
The earthquake was felt strongly for up to 20 seconds in Bitung and Ternate, as well as in Sofifi, Manado, and Minahasa. The BNPB continues to urge coastal residents in North Sulawesi and North Maluku to remain vigilant, stay away from beaches and estuaries, and evacuate to higher ground if further strong tremors occur. Data collection on the full impact of the disaster is ongoing.
Read: BMKG Lifts Tsunami Alert, Records 48 Aftershocks
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Powerful Earthquake Strikes Molucca Sea Near Indonesia
6 jam lalu
A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake has jolted eastern Indonesia, triggering fears of a tsunami. But the initial warning has now been lifted.
Powerful 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Ternate, Triggers Tsunami Alert
8 jam lalu
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale struck Ternate, North Maluku, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at around 07:48 WIT, causing panic and people fleeing from their homes.
Teen Hiker Missing After Attempting Mount Gamalama Climb in Ternate, North Maluku
14 Mei 2025
Ternate's SAR has dispatched a rescue team to search for a missing hiker in the area of Mount Gamalama,.
BMKG: M5.9 Offshore Earthquake Jolts Ternate in North Maluku
3 April 2025
The earthquake that occurred is a type of shallow earthquake due to the subduction activities of the Maluku Sea.
Ternate Flash Flood: Number of Evacuees Rises to 250 People; One Victim Remains Missing
30 Agustus 2024
BNPB updated its report on the number of evacuees from the flash flood disaster in Rua Village, Ternate City.
Ternate Flash Flood Death Toll Rises to 16; 60 Families Evacuated
26 Agustus 2024
The Ternate City Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported an increase in the death toll from the flash floods to 16 people.
Ternate Flash Flood Kills 14 People, 8 Remains Missing
26 Agustus 2024
The government of Ternate, North Maluku, has declared emergency response status against flash floods for the next two weeks.
Lion Air Group's Ternate Route Operation Returns to Normal after Mount Ruang Eruption
20 April 2024
Lion Air Group states that flights operational at Sultan Babullah Ternate Airport in North Maluku have returned to normal as of Saturday.
KPK Arrests North Maluku Governor in Sting Operation
19 Desember 2023
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) launched a sting operation in Ternate of North Maluku and Jakarta on Monday, Dec. 18.
Ternate Airport Ready for Nusantara Day Events, Transport Ministry Says
3 Desember 2023
Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate, North Maluku, is ready to support the series of Nusantara Day commemoration activities scheduled from December 10
