7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Indonesia, Leaves 1 Dead, Triggers Minor Tsunami

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Indonesia, causing widespread panic, structural damage, and a small tsunami.

The quake, centred in the Molucca Sea, was felt strongly in cities including Bitung and Ternate, prompting residents to flee their homes as buildings shook violently.

Indonesia’s disaster management authorities said at least one person was killed after a building collapsed in Manado, while several others sustained injuries. Emergency services also confirmed that multiple injured residents in Ternate were hospitalised.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people rushed into the streets to avoid collapsing structures. Videos released by rescue officials showed flattened homes and damaged buildings, with aftershocks—some as strong as 6.2 magnitude—continuing to rattle the region.

Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, while residents remain on edge amid ongoing seismic activity.

Located along major tectonic fault lines within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making such disasters a recurring threat.