A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Thursday, prompting tsunami warnings for parts of the region, international monitoring agencies said.
The earthquake occurred in the Molucca Sea, near Ternate, at a depth of approximately 35 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Initial reports had estimated the quake at a higher magnitude before it was revised to 7.4.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas within about 1,000 kilometres of the epicentre, warning of possible hazardous waves for parts of Indonesia and nearby countries including the Philippines and Malaysia.
Authorities said potential tsunami waves could reach heights of between 0.3 and 1 metre in some coastal areas. Residents in vulnerable coastal regions were advised to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, but officials said assessments were ongoing. Aftershocks are also expected following the strong earthquake.
Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions, and experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
No tsunami warning has been issued for Sri Lanka or the wider Indian Ocean region at this time. (Newswire)
The post Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Indonesia appeared first on Newswire.