19 Chait, Kathmandu. A powerful earthquake of 7.4 magnitude occurred today near Molucca island in Indonesia. According to local time, the earthquake occurred at 6:48 in the morning and has increased the risk of tsunami in neighboring countries including Indonesia.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Molucca Sea, about 120 kilometers from the city of Ternate.

Initially, the magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 7.8, but later it was revised to 7.4. Immediately after the earthquake, the authorities warned that there is a high risk of tsunami.

The Hawaii-based Tsunami Warning Center said that there is a possibility of sea waves coming to the coastal areas of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, which are within 1000 kilometers of the epicenter.

One person died after being buried by debris

According to the local search and rescue team, a 70-year-old woman died after being crushed by the debris of the building. The deceased is a resident of Minahasa area in North Sulawesi.

Rescuers also released a video of a badly damaged building in the city of Manado on the northern tip of Sulawesi island. It seems that people have gathered in the ruins of the building managed by the National Sports Committee. The furniture inside the house has been thrown out and some metal structures have been bent.

Chance of more aftershocks

The main earthquake was followed by two aftershocks of 5.5 and 5.2 magnitudes. The National Geological Agency has predicted that more aftershocks may come.

The agency said in its latest statement, ‘So far there have been reports of damage to buildings and injuries to people.’

The agency has advised the general public to stay away from coastal areas and areas prone to landslides and follow safe evacuation signs.

General sea level change forecast by Japan

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an alert saying that there may be a ‘normal change in sea level’ in the coastal area due to this earthquake. It is said that this change can be seen in areas including Shizuoka, Okinawa and Hokkaido. But it is estimated that there will be no major damage from the tsunami.

Where are Manado and Ternate?

The cities of Manado and Ternate were closest to the epicenter of this morning’s earthquake.

The earthquake occurred in the Molucca Sea between about 120 km west of Ternate and about 160 km east of Manado. Manado is located on the island of Sulawesi, while Ternate is a small island in the Maluku group of islands.

Molucca is a small but densely populated island. More than 250,000 people live here. The island is known for its ancient forts, volcanic scenery and wide beaches.

More than 600 people died in 2022

Because Indonesia is in the high earthquake and volcano risk zone called the ‘Ring of Fire’, such natural disasters often occur here.

In 2022, at least 602 people died when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit the city of Cianjur on the island of Java, Indonesia. Similarly, the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami killed more than 4,300 people.

In 2004, a very powerful Indian Ocean earthquake also caused massive loss of life in the Aceh province of Indonesia.