Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia's Molucca Sea

A magnitude 7.4 undersea earthquake struck in Indonesia's Northern Molucca Sea, causing one fatality, damaging buildings, and triggering tsunami waves up to 0.75 meters high. The Indonesia===Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) initially issued a tsunami warning but lifted it hours later after monitoring 50 aftershocks. The United States===United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake's depth at 35 km and assessed a low likelihood of further casualties and limited economic damage. Neighboring countries like the Philippines and Malaysia were initially warned of potential tsunamis, but their respective seismology agencies later confirmed no destructive threat. The United States===Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also lifted its warning, stating the threat had passed. Residents in affected areas, including Manado and Ternate, experienced strong tremors, leading to panic and evacuations. Initial reports indicate minor to moderate damage to houses and a church, with a fuller assessment underway.