A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the Molucca Sea area near Indonesia’s Ternate resulting in one death and a tsunami warning for the region that has been withdrawn, according to reports.
The powerful quake that was recorded at 06:48 local time (22:48GMT Wednesday) caused residents of several districts in North Maluku and North Sulawesi to run out of their houses as the earth was shaking for up to 20 seconds.
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Earthquake and Tsunami Warning
According to the United States Geological Survey reports, the primary location of the earthquake was approximately 126km west-northwest of Ternate, at a depth of 35km under the Molucca Sea.
Immediately, Indonesia’s Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) sent out a tsunami alert for the coastal areas of North Maluku and North Sulawesi, first announcing the possibility of waves as high as 3 metres.
Only minimal tsunami activity was observed however. Waves of around 75 centimeters were measured at North Minahasa, whereas about 20 centimeters waves have been reported in Bitung. Roughly two hours later, after the officials verified that the danger was over, the warning was officially lifted.
Casualties and Damage
The authorities have reported that one person has died in Manado, North Sulawesi. It was a 70-year-old female who was killed by the falling debris when her building collapsed at the time of the earthquake. A person who was involved in a panic jump out of the building has suffered a broken leg, it is reported.
Furthermore, there is evidence of damage to infrastructure in multiple locations. Due to the intense shaking, many buildings in Ternate have been exposed to large cracks. A sports complex in Manado was also visibly damaged to the point that it has raised safety issues.
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Officials Urge Caution Amid Aftershocks
The spokesperson of Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, Abdul Muhari, called for residents to be careful as aftershocks will continue to affect the area.
“We ask people to stay away from damaged buildings as aftershocks continue, ” he said.
Rahmat Triyono of BMKG explained that even though the earthquake was very strong, the seabed was only slightly displaced vertically which is why the tsunami was not very destructive.
Region on High Alert
The residents of Ternate said that the tremor was “very strong” and the shaking lasted between 10 and 20 seconds. The emergency teams have been sent to check the damages, especially in the remotest areas and seashores.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismic zone where earth tremors and volcanic eruptions happen quite often.
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Conclusion
The authorities have lifted the alarm about the tsunami but they are not wasting time getting ready in case of any changes as small earthquakes keep happening. Damage reports are being gathered while the officials keep a close eye in order to avoid any more dangers for the inhabitants.
