JAKARTA — A powerful earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia on Thursday, killing one person and triggering small tsunami waves along parts of the northern coast, authorities said.
The undersea quake, with a magnitude of 7.4 according to the United States Geological Survey, hit the Northern Molucca Sea at about 6:48 a.m. local time. Its epicenter was located roughly 126 kilometers west-northwest of Ternate in North Maluku province, at a depth of 35 kilometers, the agency reported. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded a similar magnitude and said the tremor was felt strongly in parts of North Sulawesi and North Maluku.
One person died after being struck by falling rubble when part of a building used by the local sports authority collapsed in Manado, North Sulawesi, North Sulawesi police deputy chief Awi Setiyono told reporters. Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) identified the victim as a 70-year-old woman and said one other resident was injured in the incident.
Small tsunami waves were recorded in at least five coastal locations, BMKG said. The highest reached 0.75 meters (about 2.5 feet) in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, with lower waves reported in areas including Bitung and parts of West Halmahera. The agency initially issued a tsunami warning for coastal regions in Indonesia and neighboring countries, citing potential waves between 0.5 and 3 meters, but lifted it later that morning after observed waves remained minor.
Witnesses and local officials reported buildings damaged in Manado and other areas, with residents fleeing homes and offices during the strong shaking, which lasted up to 20 seconds in some places. Emergency teams were assessing structural impacts and searching for any additional victims, though authorities indicated the risk of further casualties appeared low.
The quake was followed by multiple aftershocks, with BMKG reporting dozens, the largest around magnitude 5.8. The U.S. Geological Survey and other monitors recorded continued seismic activity in the region.
Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity occur due to tectonic plate movements. The country has experienced several significant quakes in recent years, prompting improvements in early warning systems and building standards.
As of Friday morning, local disaster management agencies continued damage assessments in affected areas of North Sulawesi and North Maluku. No widespread destruction or additional fatalities were immediately reported.
“Korban meninggal dunia setelah tertimpa reruntuhan gedung dan telah dievakuasi ke Rumah Sakit Bhayangkara,” Basarnas spokesman Nuriadin Gumeleng said in a statement, confirming the evacuation of the victim.
Officials urged residents in coastal areas to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks while normal activities resumed in most unaffected regions.
