Earthquakes today struck the Molucca Sea off Ternate, Indonesia, when a magnitude 7. 4 tremor killed at least one person and set off tsunami warnings that were later withdrawn. The quake hit at 6: 48 PM ET on April 1, 2026, at a depth of 35 km. Antara, Indonesia’s national news agency, said a 70-year-old woman died after being crushed by building debris and another person sustained a broken leg after jumping from a building.
Immediate impact and official alerts
The strongest facts are clear: a 7. 4-magnitude fault rupture struck midway between Manado and Ternate, causing structural collapses and chaotic scenes in coastal towns. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that tsunami waves under 0. 3 meters were possible along coasts across the region; that advisory was lifted two hours after being issued. Emergency teams moved into damage assessments and search operations in affected towns, while Antara provided casualty and injury figures.
Medical teams treated injuries and local responders cleared rubble in areas where buildings failed. One fatality was recorded when part of a building collapsed; rescue workers continued searches in the hours after the quake to locate any additional trapped residents. Power outages and disrupted services were reported in market districts as residents fled buildings.
Voices from the ground — earthquakes today
“It was really strong… My head even felt dizzy, ” said Isvara Safitri, journalist, Central Manado, describing sustained shaking that left furniture overturned and roads trembling. “The situation there was chaotic, ” said Yayuk Oktiani, resident, Bitung, recounting how vendors and shoppers spilled into streets as tremors intensified. “There were many people outside… I even saw some people leaving their house without having finished their shower, ” added Budi Nurgianto, resident, Ternate, on scenes of panic as aftershocks followed the main shock.
Witnesses in Manado and Bitung described disruptions at schools and markets as authorities ordered evacuations to higher ground or to open spaces. Local officials and rescue crews prioritized checking buildings near the coast and inspecting critical infrastructure for safety before allowing residents to return.
Context, analysis and what comes next
The region experiences high levels of seismic activity, and some residents said this was one of the strongest events they had felt in recent years. Emergency operations will focus on search and rescue, damage surveys, and accounting for injured and displaced people as aftershocks may continue to pose risks. Emergency managers will also remain vigilant for any renewed tsunami threat despite the advisory being lifted.
In the coming hours and days officials plan to expand ground inspections, update casualty counts, and coordinate relief where needed; authorities have asked residents to heed safety instructions and avoid damaged buildings. Earthquakes today will keep response teams on alert as they shift from immediate rescue to recovery and safety checks, with updates expected as assessments continue.
Timestamp: 6: 48 PM ET on April 1, 2026. Earthquakes today have left a community grappling with loss and urgent recovery needs, and officials say rescue and damage assessment efforts are ongoing.
