A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s eastern region early Thursday, triggering a tsunami alert across multiple countries and sending residents into panic near the coastal city of Ternate. The quake, which hit the Northern Molucca Sea, was strong enough to wake people from their sleep, shake buildings violently, and force thousands to rush outdoors fearing a larger disaster.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 35 kilometres, with its epicentre located about 120 to 127 kilometres west-northwest of Ternate in North Maluku province. The tremor was initially recorded at a higher magnitude of 7.8 before being revised to 7.4, adding to the early confusion and urgency surrounding the event.
Within minutes, tsunami warnings were issued, raising fears across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Authorities warned that waves between 0.3 metres and 1 metre above normal tide levels could hit parts of Indonesia’s coastline, while smaller waves under 30 centimetres were possible in regions including Japan, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and Guam.
Tsunami alert sparks fear across coastal regions
The warning immediately triggered evacuations and panic, especially in coastal cities like Ternate, Manado, and Bitung. In several areas, families ran out of their homes without hesitation, some still in night clothes, as fear of a repeat of past tsunami disasters spread quickly.
Small waves were later recorded, including heights of around 75 centimetres in North Minahasa and about 20 centimetres in Bitung. While these waves did not escalate into a destructive tsunami, they confirmed that the threat was real in the immediate aftermath.
Roughly two hours after the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that the tsunami threat had passed, and alerts were officially lifted. However, by then, the emotional impact had already taken hold across the region.
Authorities also clarified that there was no tsunami threat to Australia, while Japan’s meteorological agency noted that only slight sea level changes were expected, with no damage anticipated.
Casualties, damage and scenes of panic
Despite the worst-case scenario being avoided, the earthquake still caused casualties and structural damage. At least one person was killed after being crushed by debris from a collapsing building in North Sulawesi. Another individual reportedly suffered injuries, and early images showed damaged buildings in Manado and surrounding areas.
Eyewitness accounts painted a vivid picture of the chaos. Residents described walls shaking violently, furniture shifting, and a deep rumbling sound that added to the fear. Some said the tremor lasted for more than a minute, long enough to create widespread panic.
In Manado, people abandoned vehicles and buildings, fearing falling debris, while parents rushed to schools near coastal areas to bring their children home. In Bitung, shoppers fled markets as power outages hit and the shaking intensified. Many residents gathered in open spaces, holding onto each other as they waited for updates.
“Everything started shaking… people were panicking and running outside,” one resident said, capturing the fear felt across the region.
Aftershocks raise continued concerns
The earthquake did not end with the initial tremor. Indonesia’s geological agency confirmed at least two significant aftershocks, measuring 5.5 and 5.2 in magnitude. Officials warned that more aftershocks could follow, urging residents to stay away from unstable structures, cliffs, and coastal areas.
Aftershocks are a common and dangerous part of major earthquakes, as they can further weaken buildings already damaged in the main event. This has kept communities on edge even after the tsunami warning was lifted.
Authorities advised people to follow evacuation routes where necessary and stay updated through official channels such as Indonesia’s BMKG disaster agency.
Why earthquakes like this hit Indonesia so often
Indonesia’s vulnerability to earthquakes is no coincidence. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world. This vast arc of tectonic plate boundaries stretches across the Pacific Ocean and is responsible for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
With more than 280 million people spread across thousands of islands, Indonesia regularly experiences seismic activity. However, strong offshore quakes like this one are particularly concerning because they carry the risk of triggering tsunamis.
The country has faced devastating disasters in the past. In 2018, a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi killed more than 4,300 people. Even more catastrophic was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed over 230,000 lives across multiple countries, with Indonesia’s Aceh province among the hardest hit.
These past tragedies explain why even a brief tsunami alert can trigger immediate panic and large-scale evacuations.
What happens next
While the immediate tsunami threat has passed, the situation remains under close watch. Authorities continue to assess damage, monitor aftershocks, and ensure that affected communities receive support.
In the hours following the earthquake, communication challenges and incomplete reports meant that the full extent of damage was not immediately clear. As rescue teams continue their work, more details may emerge regarding injuries, infrastructure damage, and the overall impact on local communities.
For now, life in affected areas is slowly returning to normal, but the fear remains fresh. Many residents are still hesitant to return indoors, worried that aftershocks could strike at any moment.
For global observers, this earthquake serves as another reminder of how quickly natural disasters can unfold. In a matter of seconds, a quiet morning turned into a region-wide emergency, with millions watching closely as the threat of a tsunami loomed.
Updates from global monitoring agencies such as the US Geological Survey are expected as scientists continue to analyse the quake. For the people near Ternate and across North Maluku and Sulawesi, however, the focus remains on recovery, safety, and staying prepared for whatever comes next.
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