Powerful earthquake strikes Molucca ⁠Sea near Indonesia

Powerful Earthquake Hits Molucca Sea Near Indonesia

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook eastern Indonesia, raising concerns about a potential tsunami. However, the initial warning has since been lifted.

The USGS reported a 7.4-magnitude quake hitting the Northern Molucca Sea near Ternate, Indonesia, early Thursday.

“Hazardous tsunami waves” were possible within 621 miles of the epicenter, according to the US monitoring center.

The quake occurred approximately 127 kilometers west of Ternate, at a depth of roughly 35 kilometers. Aftershocks, some reaching 5.0 magnitude, were recorded by the USGS.

Indonesia’s meteorology agency BMKG noted tsunami waves measuring 30 centimeters in North Maluku and 20 centimeters in Bitung, northeastern Sulawesi. Metro TV reported a fatality in Manado due to collapsing debris, with footage displaying structural damage.

Indonesia straddles the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic zone with intense seismic and volcanic activity.