7.4 magnitude powerful earthquake in Indonesia, tsunami warning

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Ternate in Indonesia's North Maluku Sea early Thursday (April 2), triggering tsunami warnings across the region.

According to the USGS, the quake occurred at a depth of 35 km, with its epicenter located about 127 km northwest of Ternate. The tremor caused several buildings to collapse and sparked widespread panic among residents.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center has warned that hazardous waves up to one meter high could hit the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia within a 1,000 km radius of the epicenter.

Authorities have urged coastal inhabitants to remain vigilant and move to higher ground as the situation develops.