A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Indonesia at approximately 7:48 AM local time today. The epicenter was located in the Molucca Sea, approximately 580 kilometers from the Philippine coast.
The earthquake resulted in at least one death, a 70-year-old woman who died in a building collapse in Manado, and multiple injuries, including one individual with a leg injury. Initial assessments indicated light to severe damage in parts of Ternate and Bitung.
The quake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers and was felt for 10 to 20 seconds in nearby areas. Tsunami waves reached up to 75 centimeters in North Minahasa, prompting a brief tsunami alert that was lifted within hours.
According to George Leo Mercy Randang, “The quake was felt strongly and around Manado… one person died and one person had a leg injury.” Eyewitness Marten Mandagi recounted, “We had just woken up and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house.” The shaking was described as very strong.
Following the initial quake, at least 11 aftershocks were reported, with the strongest measuring 5.5 in magnitude. Indonesia’s national disaster agency urged vigilance, stating, “Although relatively small, this situation still requires vigilance due to the potential for aftershocks.”
This earthquake highlights Indonesia’s vulnerability, as the country lies along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, a geologically active zone where tectonic plates meet. Such seismic activity is not uncommon in this region.
Details remain unconfirmed as authorities continue to assess the situation and gather information on the extent of the damage and the number of casualties.
