7.6 Magnitude earthquake hits eastern Indonesia, near Ternate in North Maluku Province, killing at least one person and causing damage in the area.
The quake hit at 5:48 a.m. Thursday local time with a magnitude of 7.6 and a depth of around 20 miles beneath the Northern Molucca Sea.
The tremor shook Ternate city intensely, sending residents fleeing into the streets in panic.
Some buildings were damaged as plaster fell from walls, and chimneys collapsed. The quake was also felt in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, where several structures were damaged.
A 70-year-old woman was killed in Manado after being struck by falling debris. Authorities said they are investigating reports of additional injuries, including people hurt while trying to escape during the shaking.
Tsunami warnings were initially issued following the quake but were later lifted. Officials urged residents in affected areas to carefully inspect buildings for structural damage before returning inside, warning that cracks or weakened structures could pose ongoing dangers.
