(VIDEO) Indonesia 7.4 Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warning; One Dead as Waves Hit North Maluku

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia in the Molucca Sea early Thursday, killing at least one person, damaging buildings and triggering a brief tsunami warning that prompted evacuations before being lifted as small waves reached coastal areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake at a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles) with its epicenter about 127 kilometers (79 miles) northwest of Ternate in North Maluku province. It struck at 6:48 a.m. local time (2248 GMT Wednesday). Indonesia’s meteorology agency BMKG initially recorded it as high as 7.8 before adjusting the figure.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly issued an alert for hazardous tsunami waves possible within 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of the epicenter, affecting coasts in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. Residents in North Sulawesi and North Maluku fled homes, offices and hospitals as sirens sounded and authorities urged people to move to higher ground.

Small tsunami waves were observed in several locations. BMKG reported waves up to 0.75 meters (2.46 feet) in North Minahasa, with 0.3-meter (1-foot) waves logged in parts of North Maluku. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center lifted its advisory just over two hours after the tremor, stating the immediate threat had passed.

At least one person died after being buried under rubble from a collapsed building in the affected region, local officials said. Damage assessments were ongoing in Ternate and nearby Bitung, where authorities reported cracks in several structures and light to moderate building damage. No widespread destruction or major infrastructure failures were immediately confirmed.

Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates collide, making it one of the most seismically active regions on Earth. The country experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, and its tsunami early warning system (InaTEWS) has improved significantly since the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people across the region.

Residents described panic as the ground shook violently. In Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, people ran into streets while some hospitals evacuated patients. Social media footage showed swaying buildings and people gathering in open spaces. Aftershocks followed the main quake, adding to the unease.

The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued a natural disaster alert advising American citizens in the region to follow local authorities and monitor updates. No immediate reports of damage or casualties emerged from the Philippines or Malaysia, though the initial warning covered their coastal areas.

President Prabowo Subianto’s office said the government was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with provincial authorities for rapid assessment and relief if needed. Emergency teams were dispatched to the hardest-hit zones.

This event highlights Indonesia’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic disasters despite advances in warning technology. The 2004 tsunami led to the creation of InaTEWS, which now provides faster alerts through sirens, text messages and apps. However, challenges remain in remote islands with limited infrastructure and in ensuring rapid public response.

Seismologists noted the quake’s relatively shallow depth likely contributed to stronger shaking near the epicenter. The Molucca Sea area, between Sulawesi and the Maluku islands, is tectonically complex with multiple plate boundaries.

No major tsunami inundation occurred, and the lifted warning brought relief to coastal communities. Local officials urged residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks, which can sometimes trigger additional hazards.

The earthquake comes amid heightened global attention to natural disasters, as climate change and tectonic activity continue to pose risks in vulnerable regions. Indonesia has strengthened building codes in recent years, particularly in earthquake-prone areas, but enforcement varies and many older structures remain at risk.

Tourism authorities reported no immediate impact on popular destinations farther west, such as Bali or Java, though travelers in North Sulawesi and Maluku were advised to check local conditions. Flights and ferry services in the region experienced minor disruptions during the initial alert period.

International aid organizations stood ready to assist if requested, though Indonesian officials indicated current needs appeared limited to local response efforts. The Red Cross and other groups monitored the situation closely.

This quake serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness in Indonesia, which averages several thousand earthquakes annually, many too small to feel but some capable of significant destruction. Public education campaigns on “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and evacuation routes have helped reduce casualties in recent events.

As damage assessments continue, authorities emphasized that while the immediate tsunami threat has passed, residents should avoid beaches and low-lying coastal areas until all-clear signals are confirmed.

The event drew international attention, with governments and organizations expressing solidarity with Indonesia. The Philippines and Malaysia, initially placed on alert, reported no significant impacts.

Indonesia’s disaster management agency (BNPB) activated coordination centers and began compiling detailed reports from affected districts. Preliminary surveys indicated structural damage but no widespread collapse of critical infrastructure.

For many Indonesians, Thursday’s quake evoked memories of past tragedies, including the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands. Improved warning systems appear to have limited casualties this time, though the single confirmed death underscores the human cost even in moderate events.

Seismologists continue monitoring the fault system for further activity. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and BMKG will provide ongoing updates as needed.

As recovery efforts begin in the affected areas, the focus remains on ensuring safety and supporting communities impacted by the shaking and brief tsunami scare.

Indonesia’s location on the Ring of Fire means such events are part of daily life for millions. Thursday’s quake, while significant, caused limited overall damage thanks to quick warnings and public awareness.

The episode reinforces the value of investment in early warning systems and resilient infrastructure across the archipelago.