Philippine Earthquake Damages Homes and Churches in North Sulawesi

An earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude originating from the Philippines has caused damage to 27 homes and two churches in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the temporary data, as of Monday afternoon, shows the impact is concentrated in two island regencies. A total of 27 families were affected, with 20 families in the Sangihe Islands Regency and seven in the Talaud Islands Regency experiencing damage to their residences.

In addition to residential damage, the seismic activity also affected public infrastructure in the North Minahasa Regency. This includes two church buildings, a GMIM 76 building, a school, and a teacher's official residence. The strong tremors, lasting between three to four seconds, reportedly triggered panic among residents in several sub-districts of the Sangihe Islands Regency.

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There are 27 families affected, consisting of 20 families in the Sangihe Islands Regency and seven families in the Talaud Islands Regency. In addition, damage to 27 residential units was recorded in these two areas.

In the Talaud Islands Regency, specifically in Rainis sub-district, as well as in Likupang Barat sub-district of North Minahasa Regency and Manado City, the earthquake's intensity was felt as weak to moderate for two to four seconds. Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB's Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, emphasized that all impact data is still provisional.

Rapid response teams from provincial and district/city disaster management agencies are on the ground conducting comprehensive assessments. Although the tsunami early warning has been lifted and coastal communities are confirmed to be safe from tidal waves, BNPB urges continued vigilance regarding potential structural dangers from aftershocks. Residents whose homes sustained damage are advised to exercise caution and report any hazardous conditions to local authorities. The agency also encourages the public to remain calm, disregard unverified information, and rely on official updates from BMKG, BNPB, and local government channels.

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Residents whose homes are impacted by damage are expected to remain cautious and report building conditions that could be hazardous to local officials.