A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Ternate island on Thursday, killing one person and damaging buildings. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 35km, prompted a regional tsunami warning that was later lifted.
The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at 6.48am local time, with its epicentre 127km west-north-west of Ternate in North Maluku province. The US tsunami warning system initially warned of hazardous waves up to 1 metre above tide level along coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, but confirmed the threat had passed about two hours later.
Strong shaking lasting 10 to 20 seconds was felt in Bitung and Ternate cities, according to Indonesia's disaster management agency (BNPB). Tsunami waves up to 0.75 metres were recorded in five locations, and 11 aftershocks were monitored, the largest at magnitude 5.5.
A 70-year-old woman died in North Sulawesi's Minahasa district, and another resident was injured. Images showed a damaged sports complex in North Sumatra, while BNPB reported minor to moderate damage to buildings in Ternate, including a church and two houses.
Authorities urged public caution, especially for coastal communities. An Agence France-Presse journalist in Manado reported being woken by the shaking and seeing residents rush outdoors, but noted no significant damage in that area.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific 'ring of fire', frequently experiences earthquakes. The quake was initially recorded at magnitude 7.8 before being revised down.
