On April 2, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Northern Maluku Sea near Ternate, Indonesia, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Initially recorded at 7.8, the quake prompted tsunami warnings for coastal regions in North Maluku and North Sulawesi. Although there were no immediate reports of injuries, local governments in cities like Ternate and Tidore, known as historical spice islands, advised residents to prepare for possible evacuations. The earthquake's epicenter was located about 120 km from Ternate, which has a population exceeding 200,000. Nearby areas such as Bitung, Sofifi, Tondano, and Manado may also feel the tremors, located approximately 125 km to 170 km from the epicenter. The region is characterized by complex tectonic interactions between the Australian Plate and the Pacific Plate, making it prone to significant seismic activity. Historical records indicate that large earthquakes, including events over magnitude 7.5, have occurred frequently in the broader New Guinea region since 1900, underscoring the area's vulnerability to destructive seismic events.