7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Indonesia, Tsunami Risk Alert Issed

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Indonesia’s Maluku Islands early this morning, raising concerns of a potential tsunami in the region.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 6:48 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located in the Molucca Sea about 120 kilometers from the city of Ternate. The magnitude was initially reported as 7.8 but was later revised to 7.4.

Authorities issued warnings of a high tsunami risk immediately after the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said coastal areas within 1,000 kilometers of the epicenter including parts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia could experience sea waves.

One person has been reported dead after being trapped under debris. Local search and rescue teams said a 70-year-old woman from the Minahasa region of North Sulawesi died when a building collapsed. Rescue teams also released footage showing severe damage to a building in Manado, where debris was scattered and metal structures were bent.

Two aftershocks measuring 5.5 and 5.2 magnitude have already been recorded, and Indonesia’s geophysical agency warned that more aftershocks could follow. The agency reported damage to buildings and injuries in several areas.

Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Authorities have advised residents to stay away from coastal areas and landslide-prone zones and to follow safety evacuation routes.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency also issued an alert, warning of possible minor sea level changes along its coasts, including Shizuoka, Okinawa, and Hokkaido, though no major tsunami damage is expected.

The cities closest to the epicenter were Manado, located on Sulawesi Island, and Ternate, a small island in the Maluku archipelago. The quake struck in the Molucca Sea between the two cities.

The Maluku Islands are relatively small but densely populated, with over 205,000 residents. The region is known for its historic forts, volcanic landscapes, and scenic beaches.

Indonesia frequently experiences such natural disasters due to its location on the Ring of Fire. In 2022, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Cianjur, Java, killed at least 602 people. Similarly, the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami claimed more than 4,300 lives, while the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake caused massive casualties in Aceh province.