BMKG Logs 1,378 Aftershocks in Week Following M7.6 Ternate Quake
Reporter
April 9, 2026 | 01:33 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 1,378 aftershocks following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in North Maluku on April 2, 2026, with seismic activity expected to fully subside within two to three weeks since then.
BMKG Deputy for Geophysics Nelly Florida Riama stated in Jakarta on Thursday that, based on monitoring results as of 6:00 a.m. Jakarta time, only 25 out of these aftershocks were felt by residents.
"Despite slowing down, earthquake intensity fluctuates during this decay time, so occasional tremors may still occur before conditions stabilize," said Nelly.
According to her, the daily data showcases a consistent downward trend, with the number of aftershocks reaching 394 on the first day of April 2, then dropping to 91 on the sixth day, and again to 63 on the seventh day after the mainshock.
BMKG seismologists assess that the entire series of tectonic activities is part of the post-earthquake energy decay process, which is statistically projected to subside in the next few weeks.
The macroseismic survey results signal the highest shaking level of VII on the MMI scale in Batang Dua Islands, which is consistent with the shaking map previously released by BMKG.
Officers also verified traces of tsunami inundation of 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the Bitung, Lembeh Island, North Minahasa, and Southeast Minahasa areas, which is deemed consistent with the tsunami early warning level shortly after the first earthquake hit.
To ensure public safety during the recovery period, BMKG is running microzonation measurements to map land vulnerability to potential liquefaction and landslides. The agency is also intensifying disaster mitigation outreach to residents to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Previously, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest region of Batang Dua Islands, Ternate, North Maluku, with shaking felt across several regions, including Ternate, Manado, and Gorontalo, with varying intensities.
BMKG recorded that tsunami waves were detected in several coastal areas, including 0.30 meters in West Halmahera, 0.20 meters in Bitung, and 0.75 meters in North Minahasa.
As reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), this incident resulted in one death in Manado City, one person with minor injuries, and 16 households affected in Minahasa Regency.
Infrastructure damage was reported in Manado City, Minahasa Regency and Ternate City.
Read: Powerful Earthquake Strikes Molucca Sea Near Indonesia
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