Powerful Earthquake Strikes Northern Indonesia

A magnitude 7.4 undersea earthquake struck northern Indonesia on Thursday, causing buildings to collapse and prompting residents to flee their homes. The quake also generated a small tsunami, with waves reaching up to 75 centimeters above normal tides.

Impact and Damage Assessment

Strong shaking, lasting between 10 and 20 seconds, was felt in cities like Bitung in North Sulawesi province and Ternate in North Maluku province. Initial reports indicate light to severe damage in parts of Ternate, including damage to a church and two houses. Damage assessments are ongoing in Bitung.

Resident Accounts

“We had just woken up and suddenly the earthquake hit... we all ran out of the house,” said Bitung resident Marten Mandagi. “The shaking was very strong.” Videos circulating from the region show damaged structures and people evacuating into the streets.

Casualties and Injuries

Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency has confirmed at least one death: a 70-year-old woman in Manado city, North Sulawesi, died after a building collapsed. Another resident was injured in the same incident. At least three injured people are receiving treatment in hospitals in Ternate.

Tsunami Warning and Aftershocks

A tsunami warning was initially issued by Indonesia’s meteorological agency, but was later lifted after several hours. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology determined there was no tsunami threat to the Philippines. Dozens of aftershocks have been recorded, including one with a magnitude of 6.2.

Indonesia's Seismic Activity

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 280 million people, is located on major seismic faults and experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Authorities are working to gather comprehensive information on the damage and potential victims, particularly in remote areas.