Indonesia earthquake today tsunami: 7.4-magnitude quake strikes Northern Molucca Sea
Key moments
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia at 6:48 AM local time today, with its epicenter located approximately 120 km from Ternate in the North Maluku province. Initial reports indicate that the earthquake resulted in at least one fatality and caused damage to several buildings in the region.
Following the earthquake, small tsunami waves were recorded, measuring up to 20 cm in Bitung and 30 cm in West Halmahera. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had issued a warning for possible hazardous tsunami waves within a 1,000 km radius of the epicenter, but this warning was lifted after initial assessments indicated no further threat.
Residents experienced strong shaking that lasted between 10 to 20 seconds, leading to panic as many rushed out of their homes. Isvara Safitri, a local resident, described the intensity of the quake, stating, “It was really strong… My head even felt dizzy.” Another resident, Marten Mandagi, recounted, “We had just woken up, and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house.”
As a result of the earthquake, power outages were reported in parts of the affected region, further complicating the response efforts. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 km, which is relatively shallow and often leads to more intense shaking at the surface.
Tragically, a 70-year-old woman died due to building debris in North Sulawesi, marking the first confirmed fatality from the event. Two aftershocks were recorded following the main quake, but authorities confirmed that neither had tsunami potential.
Indonesia is situated on significant seismic fault lines and frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position on the Ring of Fire. This latest event underscores the ongoing risks faced by communities in the region, particularly those living along the coast.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster management agency, urged caution, stating, “At this stage, caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast.” As assessments continue, local authorities are working to evaluate the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected.
Details remain unconfirmed as officials gather more information about the impact of the earthquake and the response efforts underway. The situation is evolving, and further updates are expected as more data becomes available.