On Thursday, disaster officials indicated that a major undersea earthquake impacted northern Indonesia, causing at least 1 fatality and structural destruction as well as small tsunami wave activity.

Measuring a 7.4 in magnitude, this earthquake occurred in the Molucca Sea region with firm shaking felt across both North Sulawesi and North Maluku; citizens of cities such as Bitung and Ternate experienced strong jolting lasting approximately 20 seconds prior to evacuating from their dwellings.

Sadly, authorities have confirmed the death of a 70-year-old female citizen due to an apparent building collapse in Manado; also, several other individuals received injuries, and at least 3 were transported to the hospital in Ternate. Early damage assessments reflect destruction of personal and community property, as well as damage to a community facility (ie, church).

Around the coastline, tsunami waves measuring up to 75cm above normal tide levels were recorded. Indonesia's meteorological office issued a tsunami warning soon after the quake, but later lifted that warning once they confirmed that there was no continuing threat. Other regional and nearby offices have also reported that there is no risk of a larger or more destructive tsunami.

Many aftershocks were felt following the initial tremor, including at least one with a magnitude of over 6. As aftershocks continue, residents have expressed increasing concern due to continual seismic activity, and many remain outside. Many disaster response teams have been deployed to assist with structural damage and other affected areas.

Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as hundreds of people bunched together in open areas to avoid being crushed by falling buildings. Photos taken from the area revealed massive amounts of debris scattered throughout the area, and also revealed that some or many homes had been destroyed.

Indonesia sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, at the most active tectonic boundary (often referred to as the Pacific "Ring of Fire"), and as a result it is very seismically active, with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happening frequently; however the effects are different due to the magnitude of earthquake, the depth of quake, and the distance from populated areas.

Authorities have indicated that they will continue to assess the total number of injuries and damages, and report on what's been lost in the area, but will have better estimates after they can access remote and inaccessible areas.