Powerful earthquake strikes Molucca Sea near Indonesia
Powerful earthquake strikes Molucca Sea near Indonesia
A 7.4-magnitude tremor has shaken the eastern region of Indonesia, prompting concerns about tsunami risks. Initial alerts were issued but later rescinded. The event occurred in the Northern Molucca Sea, approximately 127 kilometers west of Ternate, at a depth of 35 kilometers. The US Geological Survey (USGS) noted that aftershocks reached up to 5.0 magnitude.
According to the USGS, the quake hit the Northern Molucca Sea off Ternate’s coast in Indonesia on Thursday morning. It triggered tsunami warnings for Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, with the US monitoring center cautioning about potential “hazardous tsunami waves” within 1,000 kilometers of the epicenter.
Indonesian meteorology agency BMKG documented minor tsunami waves in North Maluku province, measuring 30 centimeters, and in Bitung, northeastern Sulawesi, at 20 centimeters. Indonesian broadcaster Metro TV reported one fatality in the Manado area due to collapsing debris, as footage revealed structural damage.
Indonesia, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its tectonic position. The event underscores the region’s vulnerability to such natural phenomena.
