Minor Tsunami Hits North Sulawesi After M7.7 Earthquake

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Sangihe Islands Regency in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Monday, June 8, 2026, triggering minor tsunami waves along the coast. The earthquake occurred at 06:37 Western Indonesia Time (WIB), and by 08:22 WIB, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) had recorded sea-level anomalies at multiple monitoring stations.

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The first wave was detected in Loloda, West Halmahera, at 07:20 WIB at a height of 0.09 meters, followed by waves reaching Ulusiau-Sitaro at 07:27 WIB at 0.18 meters, and Melonguane in the Talaud Islands at the exact same time, measuring 0.19 meters.

The first wave was detected in Loloda, West Halmahera, at 07:20 WIB, measuring 0.09 meters. Subsequent waves reached Ulusiau-Sitaro at 0.18 meters and Melonguane in the Talaud Islands at 0.19 meters, both recorded at 07:27 WIB. The BNPB noted that tectonic activity remains high, with numerous significant aftershocks exceeding magnitude 5.0.

Following the main quake, a series of aftershocks occurred, including a magnitude 5.9 tremor at 07:11 WIB and a magnitude 5.7 quake at 07:18 WIB. The seismic activity intensified with a magnitude 6.0 aftershock at 07:55 WIB, followed by another magnitude 5.2 tremor at 08:10 WIB. These tremors were felt with varying intensity across neighboring regions.

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Alongside these sea-level anomalies, tectonic activity around the main fault line remains highly active, releasing energy through a series of significant aftershocks measuring above magnitude 5.0.

Residents in the Sangihe Islands Regency experienced strong tremors for three to four seconds, causing panic. Moderate tremors were felt in North Minahasa Regency and Manado City, while weaker shocks were felt in the Talaud Islands Regency. Local disaster management agencies are on high alert and assessing the damage.

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Periodic field updates from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Operations Control Centers confirm that this succession of tremors was felt with varying intensities by residents across several neighboring areas.

Despite the minor tsunami waves recorded so far, the BNPB has urged all coastal communities in North Sulawesi, North Maluku, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, and East Kalimantan to remain vigilant. Residents are advised to stay clear of beaches and damaged buildings and to follow official directives from authorities.

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Given the frequency of these significant aftershocks occurring in rapid succession, residents are strongly advised to remain in safe areas, stay clear of beaches and compromised buildings, and strictly follow the official directives and updates issued by local BPBD officers and relevant authorities.