JAKARTA: A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck early Thursday morning off the coast of Ternate in Indonesia, leading to small tsunami waves reported in the surrounding areas. Fortunately, no immediate damage or casualties have been recorded. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake's epicenter was located approximately 79 miles west-northwest of Ternate at a depth of 22 miles.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency promptly issued a tsunami warning but noted that the threat level remained under careful observation. Tsunami waves were recorded shortly after the earthquake, with a height of 8 inches in Bitung and a foot in West Halmahera. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated possible small waves could affect neighboring regions, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan; however, Hawaii and Guam faced no threats.

Residents in the coastal city of Bitung expressed their concerns as the tremors disrupted their morning routine. Local resident Marten Mandagi recalled, "We had just woken up and suddenly the earthquake hit... we all ran out of the house." Fortunately, he reported no visible damage or injuries in his area, citing a sense of safety among the community.

Authorities urged residents along the coast to remain calm and vigilant while following official updates. Indonesia, home to more than 280 million individuals, is prone to seismic activities due to its location on the "Ring of Fire," an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Past incidents, such as the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, underline the potential hazards faced by the region. Current assessments from local disaster agencies remain pending, as they monitor the situation and ensure public safety.