Not an official forecast
Ternate, Indonesia Tsunami, April 1, 2026
Main Event Page
The April 1, 2026, Ternate, Indonesia tsunami was generated by a Mw 7.4 earthquake (1.117°N 126.297°E), at 2026-04-01 22:48:13 UTC (according to the USGS). The earthquake generated a tsunami that was first detected by Port of Kema Fishing, North Sulawesi (~137 km from the earthquake epicenter) tide gauge approximately 17 minutes after the earthquake. The first wave peak of 51.4 cm was recorded at this station 24 minutes after the earthquake. The maximum drawdown was recorded 29 minutes post-earthquake at -76.1 cm. In contrast, the tsunami's highest measurement, 59.8 cm, was reached by the fifth wave, occurring 1 hour and 11 minutes after the event. This demonstrates, yet again, that the initial wave may not be the most significant threat. The tsunami source was not close to any DART stations. Consequently, the tsunami did not automatically activate any DART buoys. A weak signal (<0.5 cm) was subsequently recorded at several DART stations following manual activation, which occurred more than 1.5 hours after the earthquake.
No coastal forecasts showed tsunami inundation. Model predictions were compared with observed time series after the tsunami arrived at forecast locations. Model results shown below were created with the NOAA forecast method using the MOST model with the USGS W-phase Moment Tensor solution (USGS CMT).
The graphics below display preliminary modeling analysis, showing qualitative and quantitative information about the tsunami, including tsunami wave interaction with ocean floor bathymetric features, and neighboring coastlines. Tsunami model amplitude information is shown color-coded according to the scale bar.
The NOAA NCTR research product is NOT an official forecast. Note that these model results are all preliminary. The primary reason for the differences between model results and tide gauge observations is the incomplete understanding and limited information of the earthquake/tsunami source configuration at the time these results were generated.
- Model amplitudes are calculated with the MOST forecast model. Filled colors show maximum computed tsunami amplitude in cm during 12 hours of wave propagation.
Propagation Animation
Coastal Sea-level Gauge Comparisons with Model Data
Disclaimer: The models on these pages show the results of ongoing research to enhance tsunami science and to improve NOAA operational tsunami forecasts. These products were developed during or shortly after the tsunami event, are intended for research use, and are not an official forecast. They should not be used as the basis of any public or private policy decisions. Please contact NCTR to find if there are more detailed follow-on analysis results.
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When using information from this page, please credit NOAA / PMEL / Center for Tsunami Research
