Indonesia: Tsunami alert expires after large earthquake recorded in Molucca Sea July 8 /update 1

Event

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has indicated that the tsunami alert issued following a 6.9-magnitude offshore earthquake in the Molucca Sea on Monday, July 8, had expired at approximately 02:00 (local time). There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties.

Aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 6.9-magnitude offshore earthquake in the Molucca Sea on Monday, July 8, at approximately 00:10 (local time). The earthquake struck approximately 133 km (82 mi) west-southwest of Kota Ternate at a depth of 36 km (22 mi). 

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor the situation, prepare for aftershocks, and anticipate localized infrastructure damage and transportation disruptions.

In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), move away from windows, and not attempt to leave a building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.