Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed Thursday (2/4/2026) that a powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake off the coast of Bitung, North Sulawesi, triggered minor tsunami waves in several coastal areas.

"While the waves are relatively small, high vigilance is required as the potential for subsequent surges remains a possibility," said Abdul Muhari, the BNPB’s Head of the Disaster Data and Communication Center, as cited by antaranews.com.

The undersea tremor struck at 5.48 am at a depth of 62 kilometers, recording early tsunami heights of 0.3 meters in West Halmahera and 0.2 meters in Bitung. 

Residents in Ternate and Manado reported strong shaking for up to 20 seconds, causing widespread panic and minor structural damage to homes and a house of worship. BNPB and local disaster agencies (BPBD) urge coastal residents to stay away from shorelines until an official safety clearance is issued, as they continue to monitor for aftershocks following the init