Strong Earthquake Strikes Near Indonesia
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Molucca Sea near Ternate island in Indonesia early Thursday. The quake struck at 06:48 local time at a depth of 35 km and caused widespread panic across nearby regions.
Casualties and Damage Reported
Authorities confirmed at least one death. A 70 year old woman in North Sulawesi lost her life after being hit by falling debris. Another person suffered a broken leg after jumping from a building during the shaking.
Tsunami Warning Issued and Lifted
The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in several countries, including Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Guam, and Papua New Guinea. Officials initially warned of small waves, but they lifted the alert after about two hours when no threat developed.
Residents Describe Strong Shaking
People in nearby areas described the earthquake as one of the strongest in recent years. Residents in Manado and Bitung reported intense shaking that lasted for several seconds.
A journalist in central Manado said the tremors were strong enough to move furniture and make her feel dizzy. In Bitung, market activity stopped as buildings shook and power outages began.
Panic and Emergency Response
Many residents rushed outside their homes in fear. Some even left buildings without completing daily activities as the shaking intensified. Schools near coastal areas quickly asked parents to pick up their children for safety.
In Ternate, residents said their homes shook for over a minute, creating panic in the streets. Emergency services monitored the situation closely as people evacuated buildings.
Region Known for Seismic Activity
Indonesia lies in a highly active seismic zone. Earthquakes are common in this region due to tectonic plate movement. Despite frequent tremors, residents said this quake felt stronger than usual.
