Villagers stay out of their homes following 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Labuha, North Maluku on July 14, 2019. A major 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the remote Maluku islands in eastern Indonesia on July 14, sending panicked residents running into the streets, but no tsunami warning was issued. AFP
At least one person has been found dead and hundreds were evacuated after a major 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the remote Maluku islands in eastern Indonesia on Sunday, an official said.
The shallow quake struck about 165km (100 miles) south-southwest of the town of Ternate in North Maluku province at 6:28pm (0928 GMT), according to the US Geological Survey.
In South Halmahera district, the closest area to the epicentre, around 160 houses collapsed when the shallow earthquake struck. A woman was confirmed dead in the disaster.
Hundreds of people are still sheltering in several schools, government buildings and higher grounds.
Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said until Monday morning at least 52 aftershocks have been recorded after the initial quake.
