A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia on April 2, 2026, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and multiple injuries. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers, triggered a tsunami warning that was later lifted.

Waves of up to 75 centimeters were recorded in North Minahasa, prompting the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to issue alerts for hazardous tsunami waves possible within 1,000 kilometers of the epicenter, located 127 kilometers west-northwest of Ternate.

According to local authorities, the confirmed fatality was a 70-year-old woman in North Sulawesi’s Minahasa district. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing in the affected areas, including Manado, Bitung, and Ternate.

George Leo Mercy Randang, a local official, reported, “The quake was felt strongly and around Manado… one person died and one person had a leg injury.” The earthquake caused panic among residents, with many fleeing to higher ground.

Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), stated, “We are still collecting data to confirm the number of victims and the damage in each location.” As of now, 11 aftershocks have been recorded, with the largest measuring 5.5 in magnitude.

Observers note that Indonesia, located in the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, is prone to earthquakes, having experienced some of the world’s deadliest seismic disasters in the past. The shaking was felt strongly across the region, leading to widespread concern.

A BNPB spokesperson cautioned, “Caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast.” The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to assess the impact of the earthquake and aftershocks.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties as search efforts progress.