Powerful earthquake strikes Molucca ⁠Sea near Indonesia

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Molucca Sea Near Indonesia

A significant 7.4-magnitude quake shook eastern Indonesia, causing concern over potential tsunamis. Initial warnings were issued but later rescinded. The seismic event occurred approximately 127 km west of Ternate, at a depth of around 35 km.

USGS Reports on Earthquake Details

According to the USGS, a strong earthquake of magnitude 7.4 occurred in the Northern Molucca Sea, near Ternate, Indonesia, early on Thursday. The agency noted that the quake triggered tsunami alerts across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The US monitoring center highlighted the risk of “dangerous tsunami waves” within a 1,000 km radius of the epicenter.

“possible ‘hazardous tsunami waves’ within 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of the epicenter.”

BMKG Notes Tsunami Activity

Indonesia’s meteorological agency, BMKG, recorded tsunami waves measuring 30 cm in North Maluku and 20 cm in Bitung, northeastern Sulawesi. Aftershocks, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.0, were also documented by the USGS.

Manado Area Suffers Damage

Metro TV, an Indonesian broadcaster, stated that a single fatality was reported in the Manado region due to collapsing debris, with visuals indicating structural damage in the area.

Geological Context

Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic region marked by frequent seismic and volcanic activity.