A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia struck the northern Molucca Sea early Thursday, leaving at least one person dead and prompting tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.

The tremor caused panic among residents and raised fears of widespread damage in coastal regions.

Casualty Reported in Manado as Buildings Sustain Damage

According to local reports, one fatality was confirmed in Manado, where a victim was killed due to falling debris. Footage from the area showed damaged buildings and disrupted infrastructure following the quake.

Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of casualties and damage.

Tsunami Warning Issued for Multiple Countries

The US Tsunami Warning System warned that tsunami waves could affect coastal areas within a 1,000-kilometer radius, including parts of:

• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Malaysia

Residents in vulnerable coastal zones were urged to stay alert and prepare for possible evacuation.

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Epicenter Near Ternate, Tremor Felt Across Region

The earthquake struck at a depth of 35 kilometers, with its epicenter located about 127 kilometers west-northwest of Ternate, a city with a population exceeding 200,000.

Strong tremors were felt across nearby regions, causing people to flee their homes in panic.

Rescue Teams Assess Damage and Search for More Victims

Abdul Muhari, head of Indonesia’s disaster management agency, said emergency teams in Manado, Bitung, and Ternate are conducting inspections and gathering data on casualties and damage.

Officials have not ruled out additional casualties as assessments continue.

Indonesia’s High Seismic Risk Explained

Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to tectonic plate movements.

This makes the country particularly vulnerable to powerful seismic events and related disasters such as tsunamis.