7.4-magnitude earthquake rocks Indonesia, scary video surfaces: 'Hazardous' tsunami warning issued for Philippines, Malaysia

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the eastern Indonesia on Thursday (Apr 2), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 1.20 degrees north latitude and 126.35 degrees east longitude, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake struck at a depth of 30 km, said the CENC. The quake, which was initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.8, hit at a local time of 6:48 am (2248 GMT) in the Molucca Sea, USGS said.

Is there a tsunami warning?

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that hazardous tsunami waves were possible "within 1,000 km of the epicenter" along the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. The US Geological Survey (USGS) also issued a warning of possible "hazardous tsunami waves" within 1,000 kilometres of the epicentre.

Indonesia is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. It is the part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where approximately 90% of the world's earthquakes occur. The Pacific Ring of Fire is this 40,000-km-long arc of volcanoes and fault lines, formed by the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. It is a vast horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean, known for its intense seismic and volcanic activity.

What should one do during an earthquake?

During an earthquake, it’s important to act quickly and stay calm. If you are inside a building, get down to the floor, seek shelter beneath strong furniture like a table or desk, and hold onto it until the shaking stops. Keep your distance from windows and objects that might fall or shatter. If you are outside, head to a clear, open space away from structures, trees, and electrical lines. If you are driving, safely stop your vehicle and stay inside until the tremors end. Earthquakes can also lead to tsunamis—particularly those that occur beneath the ocean and register above magnitude 7.5, as they can shift large amounts of water and generate powerful sea waves.