7.3-magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia; 1 killed

In Indonesia, one person has been found dead and hundreds were evacuated after a major 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the remote Maluku islands yesterday. The US Geological Survey said, the shallow quake struck about 165 kilometres south-southwest of the town of Ternate in North Maluku province.

In South Halmahera district, the closest area to the epicentre, around 160 houses collapsed.

Hundreds of people are still sheltering in several schools, government buildings and higher grounds.

Indonesian Meteorology,



Climatology and Geophysics Agency said, until this morning, at least 52 aftershocks have been recorded after the quake.

Local government officials have started to distribute logistics and food for the evacuees.

North Maluku province was hit by a 6.9-magnitude tremor last week but no extensive damage or casualties were reported.

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide