A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the North Molucca Sea near Ternate at about 6:48 a.m. local time on April 2, according to the USGS. A 70-year-old woman was killed when a building collapsed in Manado and at least three people were hospitalized in Ternate. A tsunami warning was briefly issued and small waves up to 0.75 meters (2.46 feet) were recorded. Multiple aftershocks, including a 6.2-magnitude quake, were reported; authorities warned coastal communities to remain cautious as damage assessments continue.
70-Year-Old Woman Killed, Three Hospitalized After 7.4-Magnitude Quake Near Ternate, Indonesia
Police officers look at a building of the North Sumatra's National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) damaged following a severe 7.4-magnitude offshore quake in Manado, North Sulawesi on April 2, 2026Credit: Tonny Rarung / AFP via Getty
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the North Molucca Sea early on April 2, 2026, killing one person and injuring several others. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at about 6:48 a.m. local time roughly 127 kilometers (79 miles) west-northwest of Ternate.
Casualties, Damage and Response
Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency told reporters that a 70-year-old woman died when a building collapsed in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. At least one other person was injured in the same collapse. Authorities also said three people were hospitalized in Ternate for quake-related injuries.
BNPB, Indonesia's disaster management agency, described damage around Ternate as 'minor to moderate.' Emergency teams from local and national agencies were dispatched to assess buildings and coastal communities, and officials urged residents to follow safety guidance.
Search and rescue teams inspect damaged building following an earthquake in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia on April 02, 2026Credit: Basarnas / Handout/Anadolu via Gett
Tsunami Alert And Aftershocks
Indonesia's meteorology agency issued a tsunami warning after the quake but later lifted it. Small tsunami waves were recorded at five locations, with the largest reported at 0.75 meters (2.46 feet) in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi.
USGS data show multiple aftershocks followed the main event, including a strong 6.2-magnitude tremor. Such aftershocks can cause additional damage and pose continued risk, particularly to coastal and structurally vulnerable areas.
An Agence France-Presse reporter in Manado said he was woken by a prolonged tremor and rushed outside, adding that people and schoolchildren scrambled into the streets despite there being no widespread, significant structural damage reported at the time.
Official Guidance: A BNPB spokesperson reminded residents that 'caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast,' and said authorities were monitoring conditions and conducting damage assessments across affected islands and towns.
Sources: USGS, Associated Press, The Guardian, Reuters, Agence France-Presse.
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