Tsunamis Hit Indonesia After Powerful Earthquakes Strike Philippines and Sulawesi

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude reported between 7.7 and 7.8 struck the Sulawesi Sea and the Philippines on June 8, 2026, leaving at least 31 people dead and a dozen missing. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami early warning that was later lifted after waves of up to 18 centimeters were detected in North Sulawesi and North Maluku.

How many casualties were reported?

The earthquake caused significant loss of life and missing persons reports in the Philippines. According to reports from Tempo.co English and The Jakarta Post, the death toll has risen to at least 31 people.

The Jakarta Post further noted that a dozen people remain missing following the major quake. Rescue operations typically follow such events to locate those unaccounted for in affected coastal and inland areas.

What was the tsunami impact and response?

Following the seismic activity in the Sulawesi Sea, the BMKG issued an urgent tsunami early warning to protect coastal populations. This warning was later lifted after the agency monitored sea level stability.

During the monitoring period, ANTARA News reported that BMKG detected tsunami waves reaching up to 18 centimeters in North Sulawesi and North Maluku. These measurements provided the necessary data for the agency to eventually clear the warning status.

Why are there different magnitude reports?

Initial reports regarding the strength of the earthquake vary slightly between news organizations. ANTARA News identified the event as a magnitude 7.7 earthquake located in the Sulawesi Sea.

In contrast, Tempo.co English reported the magnitude of the Philippine earthquake as 7.8. Such discrepancies are common in the immediate aftermath of major seismic events as different agencies process data from various sensor networks.