FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – A tsunami alert has been declared for several Asian countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, following a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 that struck in the Molucca Sea.
Estimated Times of Arrival
The following table provides the estimated arrival times for the initial tsunami wave in locations at risk. Please note that actual times may vary, and the first wave may not necessarily be the largest. Tsunamis consist of multiple waves, with intervals ranging from five minutes to one hour between them.
Location Region Coordinates ETA (UTC)
MANADO INDONESIA 1.6N 124.9E 2317 04/01
TABUKAN TENGAH INDONESIA 3.6N 125.6E 2329 04/01
BERBERE INDONESIA 2.5N 128.7E 2335 04/01
GEME INDONESIA 4.6N 126.8E 2342 04/01
DAVAO PHILIPPINES 6.8N 125.7E 0000 04/02
PATANI INDONESIA 0.4N 128.8E 0005 04/02
COTABATO CITY PHILIPPINES 7.2N 124.2E 0006 04/02
SORONG INDONESIA 0.8S 131.1E 0024 04/02
MANOKWARI INDONESIA 0.8S 134.2E 0031 04/02
MAIMBUNG PHILIPPINES 5.9N 121.0E 0048 04/02
ZAMBOANGA PHILIPPINES 7.0N 122.3E 0058 04/02
LAHAD DATU MALAYSIA 4.9N 118.4E 0323 04/02
The following information has been provided by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center:
Preliminary Earthquake Parameters
- Magnitude: 7.8
- Origin Time: 2248 UTC April 1, 2026
- Coordinates: 1.2N 126.4E
- Depth: 10 km (6 miles)
- Location: Molucca Sea
Evaluation
At 2248 UTC on April 1, 2026, a strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 occurred in the Molucca Sea. Given the initial parameters, there is a risk of hazardous tsunami waves impacting coastlines within a 1000 km radius of the earthquake’s epicenter.
Tsunami Threat Forecast
There is a possibility of dangerous tsunami waves affecting the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, arising from this seismic event.
Recommended Actions
Authorities responsible for coastal safety in affected areas are urged to take immediate measures to alert and advise residents at risk, based on their assessments and the perceived threat level. Individuals living in vulnerable coastal regions should remain vigilant for updates and adhere to guidance from local and national officials.
Potential Impacts
It is important to understand that a tsunami consists of a series of waves. The time interval between these waves can fluctuate between 5 minutes to an hour. The threat may extend for several hours or longer beyond the first wave’s arrival.
Impacts can vary substantially from one coastal location to another due to differences in underwater geography and the configuration of the shoreline. Additionally, the effects can be influenced by the tidal conditions present when the tsunami reaches its peak.
Individuals caught in the tsunami’s waters may face life-threatening situations, including drowning, injury from debris, or being swept away to sea.
