Jakarta (ANTARA) - A 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck southeast of Bitung City in North Sulawesi on Thursday killed one person and damaged buildings, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said.
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) said the fatality occurred in Manado, where a 70-year-old woman died after being hit by falling debris.
“The victim died after being struck by building debris and has been evacuated to Bhayangkara Hospital,” Manado SAR Spokesperson Nuriadin Gumeleng said in a video statement.
Authorities reported damage to several structures in Manado, including parts of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) building.
Officials are also verifying reports of additional casualties.
“There is information that two people jumped from buildings, but we are still investigating,” Gumeleng said.
Following the quake, some residents in coastal areas, including Bitung and Southeast Minahasa, evacuated after a tsunami warning was issued.
Public activity in Manado has since begun returning to normal, authorities said.
Basarnas said it continues field monitoring and data collection to assess the situation and support affected communities.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded small tsunami waves in several areas.
Wave heights reached about 0.30 meters in West Halmahera, 0.20 meters in Bitung and 0.75 meters in North Minahasa.
BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani said the tsunami early warning was lifted at 09:56 a.m. Central Indonesia Time after monitoring showed conditions had stabilized.
The agency released sea level observations in three stages: about 59 minutes, 1 hour 38 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes after the quake.
“These monitoring results formed the basis for ending the tsunami warning,” Fathani said.
After the alert was lifted, search and rescue teams, regional disaster agencies and assessment units were cleared to enter affected areas.
Authorities are continuing inspections to determine the full extent of damage.
Emergency responders remain on standby in case of aftershocks or further developments.
Officials urged residents to remain cautious and follow updates from authorities.
