7.4-Magnitude Quake Shakes Ternate, Spurring Regional Tsunami Warnings
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Ternate island on Thursday, shaking buildings and triggering small tsunami waves that prompted emergency alerts across the region. The tremor, with a depth of 35km, occurred at 6:48am local time, its epicentre located 127km west-north-west of Ternate, according to the US Geological Survey. Initial warnings from the US tsunami system indicated potential waves up to 1 metre high along Indonesia’s shores, sparking panic in coastal communities.
The quake’s tremors were felt for 10 to 20 seconds in Bitung, a coastal city on Sulawesi’s northeastern edge, and Ternate city, as reported by Indonesia’s disaster management agency. Residents in these areas rushed outdoors, with some describing the shaking as “quite long” and disruptive. Despite the initial warnings, the US system later confirmed the tsunami threat had passed, though authorities urged continued vigilance.
Tsunami Waves Recorded, Casualties Confirmed in North Sulawesi
Tsunami waves reached five locations, with the highest recorded at 0.75 metres in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, according to Indonesia’s BMKG meteorology agency. A 70-year-old woman died in the Minahasa district, and another resident was injured, marking the quake’s deadliest impact. Damage assessments revealed “minor to moderate” structural harm in Ternate, including a damaged church and two houses in South Ternates.
In Bitung, officials continued evaluating the extent of destruction, with images showing a sports complex in North Sumatra with collapsed walls and debris scattered across the ground. The earthquake was initially misclassified as 7.8 before being revised to 7.4, highlighting the challenges in early seismic data. Japan’s meteorological agency noted “slight sea level changes” along its coast but no tsunami risk, while the Philippines and Australia confirmed no threats to their territories.
Despite the warning’s resolution, the BNPB reiterated that coastal communities must avoid returning to beaches until officials declare it safe.
Seismic Vulnerability and Historical Context Highlight Regional Risks
Indonesia’s location on the “ring of fire” makes it prone to earthquakes, with the Molucca Sea region experiencing frequent moderate to large tremors. Over the past 50 years, nine quakes exceeding magnitude 7 have occurred within 250km of Thursday’s event, though few caused major damage due to their offshore locations. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed over 230,000 people, including thousands in Indonesia’s Aceh province, underscores the region’s history of catastrophic seismic events.
The 2022 Cianjur earthquake, which killed 602 people, and the 2018 Sulawesi tsunami that claimed over 4,300 lives, further illustrate the persistent risks. As authorities in North Sulawesi assess the damage, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability. Experts warn that while Thursday’s quake did not trigger a major disaster, the region’s seismic history demands ongoing preparedness and resilience.
Conclusion
The earthquake and subsequent tsunami warnings highlight Indonesia’s precarious position on the ring of fire, where past disasters have left a legacy of loss. While Thursday’s event caused limited damage, the region’s history of catastrophic quakes underscores the need for sustained vigilance. As communities recover, the focus remains on ensuring coastal safety and reinforcing preparedness for future seismic threats.
See related coverage: How to Watch Benedetta: Is Paul Verhoeven’s Latest Film on Streaming
