A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the northern Molucca Sea in eastern Indonesia early Thursday, killing at least one person and triggering tsunami alerts across parts of the region.
Casualty and initial damage
The fatality was reported in Manado, where a person was killed due to falling debris, according to local media reports. Visuals from the region showed structural damage to buildings, raising concerns about further casualties.
Authorities have begun assessing the extent of damage in affected areas, including Manado and Bitung in North Sulawesi, as well as Ternate in North Maluku.
Tsunami warning issued
The US Tsunami Warning System cautioned that waves could impact coastlines within 1,000 kilometres of the epicentre, potentially affecting parts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Residents in several coastal regions were advised to remain alert and prepare for possible evacuation as a precautionary measure.
Epicentre and tremor details
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a depth of 35 kilometres, with its epicentre located about 127 kilometres west-northwest of Ternate, a city with a population exceeding 2 lakh.
The tremor was strong enough to cause panic among residents, many of whom rushed out of their homes. In some areas, power outages were reported and household items were knocked off shelves.
Emergency response underway
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency has deployed teams to assess the situation and verify reports of casualties and damage. Officials stated that data collection is ongoing, and more accurate figures will be released after field assessments are completed.
Region prone to seismic activity
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Such events often require swift response measures to minimise loss of life and damage.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay cautious and follow official advisories.