Key moments
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia at 6:48 AM local time today, sending shockwaves through the Northern Molucca Sea region. The quake has resulted in at least one confirmed fatality and significant damage to buildings in the area.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 120 kilometers from Ternate, North Maluku province, at a depth of 35 kilometers. Residents reported strong shaking that lasted between 10 to 20 seconds, causing panic among those who felt the tremors.
Following the earthquake, small tsunami waves were recorded, measuring up to 20 centimeters in Bitung and 30 centimeters in West Halmahera. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of possible hazardous tsunami waves within a 1,000-kilometer radius of the epicenter, but the tsunami warning was lifted after initial assessments showed no further threat.
Tragically, a 70-year-old woman lost her life due to building debris in North Sulawesi. Power outages were also reported in parts of the affected region, further complicating the response efforts.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos that ensued. Isvara Safitri stated, “It was really strong… My head even felt dizzy,” while Marten Mandagi recounted, “We had just woken up, and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house.” Budi Nurgianto added, “When I went outside, there were many people outside. They were panicked…”
Indonesia is located on major seismic faults and frequently experiences earthquakes, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The government and local authorities are urging residents to remain cautious, especially those living along the coast. Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the disaster management agency, emphasized, “At this stage, caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast.”
As the situation develops, officials are continuing to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected. Details remain unconfirmed as rescue efforts are underway, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.