Desk Correspondent , Jakarta - A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Indonesia, triggering widespread shaking, dramatic footage online, and “hazardous” tsunami warnings for parts of the Philippines and Malaysia. The quake hit in the Molucca Sea between Sulawesi and Maluku at a shallow depth, prompting emergency teams across the region to monitor the situation closely and prepare for possible damage and coastal surges.

A 7.4‑magnitude earthquake struck the Molucca Sea between Sulawesi and Maluku in eastern Indonesia on April 1, 2026, at a depth of about 35 kilometers, shaking several islands and triggering a “hazardous” tsunami warning from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center for coastal areas of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, Indonesia’s BMKG recorded tsunami waves up to 75 centimeters in North Minahasa and 20 centimeters in Bitung, lifting the alert about two hours later, while authorities in the Philippines and Malaysia urged coastal residents to move to higher ground. The quake has killed at least one person and injured several others, with building collapses and damage including at a sports complex reported in Manado, North Sulawesi, and Indonesia has recorded at least 11 aftershocks, the strongest near magnitude 5.5, prompting officials to remain alert as emergency teams assess damage and reinforce regional preparedness along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

The earthquake underscores how quickly a single tremor can threaten lives and infrastructure across an entire region, especially in a seismically active area like the Pacific Ring of Fire. Moving forward, experts emphasize the need for stronger early warning systems, stricter building codes, and regular disaster drills to help communities respond faster and reduce casualties when the next major quake inevitably strikes.