A powerful earthquake rocked the Molucca Sea on Wednesday at about 12:48 p.m. HST (22:48 UTC), with early readings putting its strength in the mid-to-high 7s. Despite the serious jolt, Hawaii emergency officials say the islands are not under a tsunami threat, while local and federal agencies keep a close eye on tide gauges and sea conditions. The quake hit well east of the Philippines and near eastern Indonesia, where coastal authorities are watching for any local effects.
The initial bulletin from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center pegged the event as a preliminary Mwp 7.4 quake at 22:48 UTC, centered near 1.2°N, 126.3°E at a depth of roughly 35 kilometers. The center reported that tsunami waves were detected on regional gauges, including a 0.65-meter reading at Kema, Sulawesi. Forecasts and detailed parameters are being updated as more data comes in.
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency posted on X that "THERE IS NO TSUNAMI THREAT TO HAWAIʻI" and noted the quake's origin time. That message went out at about 1:05 p.m. HST, along with a reminder to rely on official channels and county civil-defense instructions if conditions change.
PTWC says risk is mostly local to Indonesia
According to PTWC's bulletin, hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts of Indonesia, while many other western-Pacific shorelines are expected to see wave amplitudes below about 0.3 meters. The agency says those forecasts will be expanded if necessary and has urged national authorities to guide local populations based on their own assessments.
What Hawaiʻi residents should know
State officials say there is no need for statewide action at this time. Still, they advise people to stay away from harbors, marinas and shorelines until counties and civil-defense officials give an all-clear. For official updates and preparedness guidance, visit the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and sign up for wireless alerts through the agency's Get-Ready resources.
Why the Molucca Sea prompts watchful monitoring
Scientists point out that the Molucca Sea lies in a complex arc-arc collision zone with a track record of tsunamigenic earthquakes, which is why strong events there routinely trigger tight gauge monitoring and regional forecasts. A recent study by researchers at Brunel University and partners details how steep splay faults in the Molucca Sea can amplify near-shore tsunami heights, even when far-field impacts remain limited.
Agencies on the ground will post updates if seismic activity or sea-level readings change. For now, Hawaii's official line is straightforward: there is no tsunami threat to the state. This story will be updated as PTWC and state or county officials release new bulletins or guidance.
