Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Indonesia’s Maluku Islands, Raising Tsunami Risk

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck near Indonesia’s Maluku Islands at 6:48 a.m. local time today, increasing the risk of a tsunami. The tremor caused building debris to crush a 70-year-old woman in North Sulawesi, resulting in her death. Authorities have warned of the potential for additional aftershocks. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an alert, noting possible minor changes in sea level but stated there is no threat of a major tsunami.

The earthquake, which occurred at 6:48 a.m. local time, has raised tsunami concerns not only in Indonesia but also in neighboring countries. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located approximately 120 kilometers from the city of Ternate, in the Maluku Sea. Initial measurements indicated a 7.8 magnitude quake, but this was later revised to 7.4. Shortly after the quake, authorities issued warnings about the heightened tsunami risk.

The Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii has informed coastal regions within a 1,000-kilometer radius of the epicenter, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, that they could experience sea level fluctuations. Local search and rescue teams reported that the earthquake’s debris caused the death of a 70-year-old woman in the Minahasa region of North Sulawesi.

Rescue workers released video footage showing a heavily damaged building in Manado city, located on the northern edge of Sulawesi island. The wreckage, which was managed by the National Sports Committee, has people gathering around it. Furniture has been moved outside the building, and several metal structures have bent. Two aftershocks of 5.5 and 5.2 magnitude have already occurred following the main earthquake, and the National Geological Agency predicts more may follow. The agency’s latest statement reads, “Reports have been received of structural damage and injuries to people so far.”

Indonesia lies within the ‘Ring of Fire,’ a region with high seismic and volcanic activity. The National Geological Agency advises the public to stay away from coastal areas and landslide-prone zones and to follow established evacuation signals. Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued alerts for areas including Shizuoka, Okinawa, and Hokkaido due to possible minor sea level changes, but expects no significant tsunami damage.

The closest cities to the quake’s epicenter are Manado and Ternate. The earthquake occurred in the Maluku Sea, roughly 120 kilometers west of Ternate and about 160 kilometers east of Manado. Manado is located on Sulawesi island, while Ternate is a small island in the Maluku group. Maluku is a small but densely populated island with over 205,000 residents and is known for its ancient forts, volcanic landscapes, and expansive coastlines.

Being part of the ‘Ring of Fire,’ Indonesia regularly faces natural disasters of this nature. In 2022, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sianjur island on Java, claiming at least 602 lives. In 2018, an earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi killed over 4,300 people. Furthermore, the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake caused significant human losses in Indonesia’s Aceh province.