A 7.4-magnitude quake strikes northern Indonesia, causing building collapses, one death, injuries, and a minor tsunami along the Molucca Sea coast.
Strong Quake Hits Northern Indonesia
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook northern Indonesia on Thursday, toppling buildings, sending residents fleeing, and tragically claiming at least one life. The quake also triggered a small tsunami along the Molucca Sea coast.
Shaking lasted roughly 10 to 20 seconds, rattling cities including Bitung in North Sulawesi and Ternate in North Maluku. Authorities reported varying levels of damage, from light to severe, with structures like a church and residential houses among those affected.
Residents Describe Panic and Fear
“We had just woken up, and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house,” said Marten Mandagi, a resident of Bitung. “The shaking was very strong.”
Videos released by rescue teams captured scenes of flattened houses and debris, while local television broadcasts showed crowds gathering in streets, trying to stay clear of potential building collapses.
Casualties and Injuries Reported
Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency confirmed the death of a 70-year-old woman in Manado due to a collapsed building. Several others were injured, including at least three people hospitalized in Ternate. Authorities are still surveying damage in remote villages to determine the full impact.
Aftershocks and Tsunami Concerns
Dozens of aftershocks followed the main quake, including one registering magnitude 6.2. Meanwhile, tsunami waves of up to 75 centimetres (30 inches) above normal tides were recorded along the Molucca Sea. Indonesia’s meteorological agency lifted the tsunami warning a few hours later. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported no destructive risk to the country.
Indonesia’s Seismic Reality
Indonesia, home to over 280 million people, sits atop several major tectonic faults, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country regularly experiences seismic events, reminding residents of the persistent risks in the archipelago.
