Trending Now - 7.4 Magnitude Quake Near Indonesia Prompts Tsunami Alert

WHO:

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake.

[20:16 EDT] - Newsweek - The tsunami warning was issued for Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

WHAT:

[20:16 EDT] - The Guardian - The earthquake was initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.8 before being revised to 7.4 by the USGS.

[20:16 EDT] - The Guardian - The US tsunami warning system forecasted tsunami waves of 0.3 meters to 1 meter (3.2 feet) above tide level for some parts of the Indonesian coastline.

[20:16 EDT] - The Guardian - The US tsunami warning system also predicted waves of less than 30 centimeters above tide level for the coasts of Guam, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck in the Molucca Sea region.

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - The earthquake had a depth of nearly 22 miles.

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - The epicenter of the quake was located 79 miles west-northwest of Ternate, Indonesia.

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - The U.S. tsunami warning system indicated that tsunami waves were possible in neighboring countries.

WHERE:

[20:16 EDT] - The Guardian - The epicenter of the quake was located 127 kilometers (79 miles) west-northwest of Ternate, Indonesia.

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - The earthquake occurred in the Molucca Sea region, northeast of Indonesia.

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - Ternate, Indonesia, is the nearest city to the epicenter.

WHEN:

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - The earthquake hit early on Thursday, March 31st, 2026, local time.

WHY:

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - Indonesia is located on the "Ring of Fire," which is known for its seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

HOW:

[20:16 EDT] - The Guardian - An Agence France-Presse journalist reported that the shaking woke residents in Manado, North Sulawesi province, who rushed outdoors.

[20:16 EDT] - CBS News - The earthquake was measured and reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 03:52 UTC)

An earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia, initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.8 before being revised to 7.4 by the US Geological Survey. The US tsunami warning system forecasted waves of up to 1 meter above tide level for some areas along the Indonesian coastline, while lower waves were expected for regions including Guam, Japan, and the Philippines. Residents in Manado, North Sulawesi province, reported being awakened by the shaking and quickly rushed outdoors for safety.

--

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 01:24 UTC)

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck in the Molucca Sea region early on Tuesday, with its epicenter located 79 miles west-northwest of Ternate, Indonesia, at a depth of nearly 22 miles. Following the quake, the U.S. Geological Survey reported the seismic event, and a tsunami warning was issued for Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, indicating that tsunami waves were possible in neighboring countries. Indonesia, situated on the "Ring of Fire," is known for its seismic activity, which includes frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.