According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred on Thursday at a depth of 35km (22 miles), deeper than the initial estimate of 10km (6 miles), and was first recorded at a magnitude of 7.8.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Northern Molucca Sea off the coast of Ternate, Indonesia, killing at least one person and briefly triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred on Thursday at a depth of 35km (22 miles), deeper than the initial estimate of 10km (6 miles), and was first recorded at a magnitude of 7.8.
There were no immediate widespread reports of injuries.
The epicentre was located about 120km (75 miles) from Ternate in North Maluku province.
Authorities in nearby cities, including Ternate and Tidore, urged residents to prepare for possible evacuation, while local media showed images of damaged buildings.
In North Sulawesi province, one person died after a building collapsed in the city of Manado. A local search and rescue official said the victim was trapped under the rubble, while another person suffered a leg injury.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) initially warned that hazardous tsunami waves could impact coastal areas within 1,000km (621 miles) of the epicentre, including parts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Indonesia’s geological agency (BMKG) reported waves of up to 75cm in North Minahasa and 20cm in Bitung, both in northern Sulawesi. Waves measuring about 30cm were also recorded in North Maluku.
However, the tsunami warning was lifted just over two hours later, with officials confirming that the threat had passed.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes due to active tectonic plate boundaries.
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