Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia's Molucca Sea, Tsunami Warning Issued

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Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia's Molucca Sea, Tsunami Warning Issued

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Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia's Molucca Sea, Tsunami Warning Issued

Credited from: SCMP

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Molucca Sea near Ternate, Indonesia.
Tsunami warnings issued for Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
No immediate reports of injuries; evacuation preparations underway.

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Northern Molucca Sea off the coast of Ternate, Indonesia, early Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake's depth was recorded at 35 km, with the epicenter approximately 120 km from Ternate, a city with a population exceeding 200,000. Initial reports had indicated a magnitude of 7.8, which was later revised down, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The US Tsunami Warning System has advised that hazardous tsunami waves are possible within 1,000 km of the earthquake's epicenter, affecting the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Forecasted wave heights range from 0.3 to 1 meter above tide levels for some coastal regions of Indonesia. This warning emphasizes the potential risk posed by the quake's significant magnitude, according to CBS News and South China Morning Post.

Residents in Ternate reported feeling strong tremors, with some panicking and evacuating their homes. Reports indicate that while there were no immediate injuries, residents were advised to prepare for potential evacuation. Images broadcasted by local media showed minor damages, with local authorities reiterating the need for preparedness due to possible aftershocks, as noted by South China Morning Post.