Indonesia hit by 7.4 quake near Ternate, tsunami alert issued

An offshore earthquake measuring 7.4 struck in the Molucca Sea off eastern Indonesia early Thursday, about 127 km west-north-west of Ternate. The quake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers and sent strong shaking through coastal towns, with residents reporting activity lasting 10 to 20 seconds. In Bitung and other areas on Sulawesi’s northeastern coast, people rushed from buildings as the ground rattled and doors and windows shuddered.

A tsunami warning was issued, warning that waves between 0.3 and 1 meter could sweep parts of the Indonesian coastline. Authorities advised residents to move away from the shore and await official clearance before returning to beaches or affected areas. About two hours later, the warning was lifted, though officials cautioned that currents and aftershocks could still pose hazards for hours to come.

The BMKG later reported waves of up to 0.75 meters in North Minahasa, with five coastal locations recording tsunami activity. A total of 11 aftershocks followed the main quake, the largest measuring 5.5 in magnitude.

Casualties were reported: a 70-year-old woman died in Minahasa district, and another resident sustained injuries as structures shook violently. Images circulating from North Sumatra showed a damaged sports complex and other infrastructure, illustrating the reach of the tremor across multiple islands. Emergency crews were dispatched to assess damage, clear debris, and check vulnerable buildings.

Officials urged continued vigilance and adherence to safety advisories as aftershocks and recurrences of strong ground shaking could continue. Communities along coastlines were reminded to shelter in safe locations, avoid beaches, and await further updates from authorities as daytime assessments begin across affected areas.

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