Powerful earthquake strikes Molucca ⁠Sea near Indonesia

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Molucca Sea Near Indonesia

A strong 7.4-magnitude quake shook parts of eastern Indonesia, prompting concerns over potential tsunami threats. Initial alerts have since been rescinded, though the event left visible damage in its wake.

USGS Reports Seismic Activity

The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the tremor occurred in the Northern Molucca Sea, off Ternate’s coast, early Thursday. The agency issued a tsunami warning for Indonesia and nearby nations, including the Philippines and Malaysia, citing the possibility of “hazardous tsunami waves” within 1,000 kilometers of the epicenter.

“A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck the Northern Molucca Sea off the coast of Ternate, Indonesia,” the USGS stated.

The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 127 kilometers west of Ternate, at a depth of 35 kilometers. Aftershocks up to 5.0 magnitude were recorded, adding to the region’s seismic activity.

Indonesian meteorology agency BMKG noted small tsunami waves—measuring 30 centimeters in North Maluku and 20 centimeters in Bitung, northeastern Sulawesi. Indonesian broadcaster Metro TV shared footage of damaged structures and reported one fatality caused by collapsing debris in the Manado area.

Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country’s vulnerability to such events underscores the ongoing risks in this seismically active region.