Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes off Indonesias Ternate coast

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Ternate in Indonesia’s North Maluku province on Thursday, approximately 120km away from the city. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 35km, with initial readings indicating a magnitude of 7.8.

The epicentre was located near Ternate, prompting local authorities in nearby cities such as Ternate and Tidore to issue evacuation warnings. News channel Metro TV broadcast images of damaged buildings in the area.

One person died when a building collapsed in Manado, North Sulawesi province, according to a local search and rescue official. The victim was reportedly buried under the rubble of the collapsed structure.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) initially issued a warning for hazardous tsunami waves within 1,000km of the epicentre along the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. However, wave measurements in North Minahasa and Bitung reported up to 75cm and 20cm respectively, while 30cm waves were recorded in North Maluku province.

The PTWC lifted its warning approximately two hours after the quake, stating that the tsunami threat had passed. Indonesia is located near the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity where tectonic plates meet.

Source: Al Jazeera