Indonesia: 7.0-magnitude earthquake strikes the Molucca Sea Jan. 18

Event

A magnitude-7.0 earthquake occurred in the Molucca Sea at around 15:06 Jan. 18. The epicenter was about 150 km (93 miles) northwest of Tobelo. The temblor has triggered a tsunami warning; hazardous tsunami waves are possible within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter.

This is a developing situation; additional information will be issued as warranted.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.

Move away from the immediate coastline; tsunamis can be long-duration events, and the threat may persist for hours. Vacate multistoried buildings or unreinforced structures in areas where strong shaking occurred; aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed; use text messaging if services are available. Due to the threat of landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected area.