Strong tremor shakes Molucca Sea region
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Molucca Sea off Ternate, Indonesia, early Thursday, killing at least one person. The quake occurred at 06:48 local time (22:48 GMT) at a depth of 35km and briefly triggered tsunami warnings, which were later lifted.
Casualties and local impact
A 70-year-old woman in North Sulawesi died after being crushed by building debris. Another person broke a leg after jumping from a building. Residents described the quake as the strongest they had felt in at least six years, shaking homes, furniture, and streets.
In Manado, Bitung, and Ternate, roads and buildings vibrated violently. Many people fled homes, schools, and markets in panic. Hospitals, including Siloam Hospital in Manado, evacuated staff and patients, setting up temporary treatment areas outdoors.
Tsunami alert and aftershocks
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of potential 1-foot waves along the coasts of Guam, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Taiwan. The warning was withdrawn after two hours.
Authorities reported at least two aftershocks, measuring 5.5 and 5.2, with more expected. The epicentre was roughly midway between Manado and Ternate. Officials confirmed damage to buildings and multiple injuries.
Residents recount the chaos
Journalists and residents described scenes of panic, with children evacuated from schools and people leaving homes mid-shower. Large furniture and metallic structures were displaced or bent. Emergency services worked quickly to manage safety and assist the injured.
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