Summary
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia, killing at least one person
- Tsunami warnings were issued but later lifted after about two hours
- Residents describe it as one of the strongest tremors in years
NAIROBI, Kenya- A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Molucca Sea near Ternate Island early Thursday, killing at least one person and triggering a brief tsunami scare.
Authorities say the tremor hit at a depth of 35km, sending shockwaves across parts of Indonesia and sparking panic among residents.
How the deadly quake unfolded across affected regions
The earthquake struck at 06:48 local time, with its epicentre located between Manado and Ternate.
A 70-year-old woman in North Sulawesi died after being crushed by debris, while another person suffered a broken leg after jumping from a building.
At least two aftershocks, measuring 5.5 and 5.2, followed shortly after, raising fears of more tremors.
Indonesia’s geological agency reported damage to buildings and multiple injuries, though full details are still emerging.
Tsunami warning sparks fear across Asia-Pacific
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that small tsunami waves could hit coastal areas across the region.
Countries on alert included Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Taiwan.
However, the warning was lifted about two hours later after no significant waves were detected.
Despite this, the alert triggered widespread anxiety, especially in coastal communities.
Residents describe chaos as buildings shake
Witnesses say the quake was among the strongest felt in years.
In Manado, residents reported furniture shaking violently, with some saying roads appeared to move beneath them.
In Bitung, people fled markets as power outages hit and tremors intensified.
Schools near the coast were quickly evacuated, with teachers sending children home amid fears of a tsunami.
At hospitals, patients and staff were rushed outside, with emergency care set up in open spaces and vehicles.
In Ternate, some residents ran out of their homes in panic, with reports of people fleeing mid-routine as buildings vibrated for over a minute.
