Powerful earthquake strikes Molucca ⁠Sea near Indonesia

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Molucca Sea Near Indonesia

Seismic Event Sparks Tsunami Alerts in Region

A significant 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook the eastern region of Indonesia, prompting concerns about a potential tsunami. However, the initial warning has since been canceled. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake occurred in the Northern Molucca Sea, off the coast of Ternate, Indonesia, early on Thursday.

USGS warned that “hazardous tsunami waves” could affect areas within 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of the epicenter, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

The tremor was located approximately 127 kilometers west of Ternate, at a depth of roughly 35 kilometers. Following the main event, the USGS recorded aftershocks with magnitudes up to 5.0. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s meteorology agency, BMKG, measured tsunami waves of 30 centimeters in North Maluku province and 20 centimeters in Bitung, northeastern Sulawesi.

Indonesian broadcaster Metro TV reported one fatality in the Manado area, attributed to collapsing debris. Footage showed structural damage in the region. The country, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, remains vulnerable to frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its tectonic position.