RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the frequency of aftershocks following the main M7.6 earthquake in North Maluku shows a significant downward trend. Based on the latest statistical analysis, the entire series of tectonic activities will completely dissipate within 2 to 3 weeks since the main earthquake that occurred on April 2, 2026.

Deputy of Geophysics at BMKG, Nelly Florida Riama, explained that based on monitoring results until April 9, 2026, at 06:00 WIB, a total of 1,378 aftershocks have occurred, with 25 of them felt by the public. Daily data shows a consistent decline, where on the first day 394 incidents were recorded, and it continued to decrease to 91 earthquakes on the sixth day, and 63 earthquakes on the seventh day.

"Although the trend shows a decline, the intensity of the tremors during this decay period is fluctuating, so the vibrations felt occasionally may still appear before the conditions are completely stable,"Nelly said in Jakarta, Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Furthermore, the joint survey team from BMKG Central, the Great Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) Region IV, and the Technical Implementation Units (UPT) of North Maluku and North Sulawesi are currently still validating the impact on the ground. The team conducted a macroseismic survey that confirmed the highest shaking level reached scale VII MMI in the Pulau Batang Dua District, in accordance with the shaking map (shakemap) published by BMKG.

In addition, field officers have verified tsunami inundation traces of 0.5 to 1.5 meters in height in the areas of Bitung, Lembeh Island, North Minahasa, and Southeast Minahasa, which prove the accuracy of the Tsunami Early Warning at the "Alert" level during the event.

To ensure the safety of residents during the recovery period, BMKG is also conducting microzonation measurements to map the vulnerability of the soil to potential liquefaction and landslides. This step is accompanied by massive socialization to the public to counter hoax information that often triggers panic.

"Education regarding the correct self-evacuation procedures is the team's top priority in the field so that residents have a proper understanding of mitigation," she conveyed.

Acting Director of Earthquake and Tsunami BMKG, Rahmat Triyono, urged the public to remain vigilant but not panic. He emphasized that residents should avoid buildings that have suffered structural damage or significant cracks to prevent the risk of collapse due to aftershocks.

"The community must also avoid the hilly areas prone to landslides due to soil instability after the earthquake," he said.