A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck in the Molucca Sea off Indonesia's Ternate island early Thursday, killing at least one person. The quake, which struck at 06:48 local time (22:48 GMT) at a depth of 35km, sparked tsunami warnings that have since been withdrawn. A 70-year-old woman in North Sulawesi died after being crushed by building debris, while another person suffered a broken leg from jumping off a building. Although the region experiences high seismic activity, local residents reported that this was one of the strongest quakes they've felt in at least six years. The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of potential tsunami waves but lifted the alert after two hours.
Residents described how furniture shook, with one journalist recalling dizzying sensations during the tremors. Accounts of chaotic evacuation ensued in places like schools and markets, where people fled in panic. In Ternate, walls vibrated, and many rushed outside in a state of shock, some even hastily leaving homes mid-shower. Following the major quake, at least two aftershocks of magnitudes 5.5 and 5.2 occurred, with warnings of potential more tremors. The national geological agency noted damage to buildings and injuries but did not provide extensive details. Footage emerging from a search and rescue team showcased distressing scenes of destruction, as large pieces of furniture were found flung onto the ground and metallic structures bent out of shape.
Patients in local hospitals recounted frantic evacuations as medical staff scrambled to ensure safety, quickly establishing makeshift treatment areas outside. The quake has raised significant concern among residents, many of whom continue to feel tremors and remain anxious about aftershocks.
Residents described how furniture shook, with one journalist recalling dizzying sensations during the tremors. Accounts of chaotic evacuation ensued in places like schools and markets, where people fled in panic. In Ternate, walls vibrated, and many rushed outside in a state of shock, some even hastily leaving homes mid-shower. Following the major quake, at least two aftershocks of magnitudes 5.5 and 5.2 occurred, with warnings of potential more tremors. The national geological agency noted damage to buildings and injuries but did not provide extensive details. Footage emerging from a search and rescue team showcased distressing scenes of destruction, as large pieces of furniture were found flung onto the ground and metallic structures bent out of shape.
Patients in local hospitals recounted frantic evacuations as medical staff scrambled to ensure safety, quickly establishing makeshift treatment areas outside. The quake has raised significant concern among residents, many of whom continue to feel tremors and remain anxious about aftershocks.
