BMKG: No Fatalities Reported Following Palu Earthquake
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has confirmed there have been no fatalities resulting from the M6.7 tectonic earthquake that shook the Palu region of Central Sulawesi on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. Monitoring by BMKG and the Regional Disaster Management Agency indicates the earthquake caused damage to physical infrastructure.
“Regarding casualties, we have not received any such reports up to now. If there are reports, we will certainly update them as quickly as possible,” said Teguh Rahayu, BMKG Director of Engineering Seismology, Potential Geophysics, and Time Signals, during a press conference on Tuesday.
According to Rahayu, the damage reported as of 12.00 WIB includes moderate category impacts in Sigi Regency, Parigi Moutong Regency, and Palu City. In Sigi, the regent’s office was reported damaged. Meanwhile, in Parigi Moutong, at least five residents’ houses sustained damage. The damage was more widespread in Palu City, affecting locations including Hotel Santika, a café, the Tadulako University Auditorium, Hotel Best Western, and the Star Kitchen shop.
“As of 12.00 WIB, the update we have received is only that, in the category of moderate non-structural damage,” Teguh stated.
On the same occasion, BMKG Deputy for Geophysics Nelly Florida Riama explained that the earthquake, whose epicentre was at a depth of 16 km, was a shallow earthquake caused by activity on the Sausu Fault. The results of the source mechanism analysis indicate the earthquake had a downward movement, or normal fault, mechanism.
As of 12.00 WIB, BMKG monitoring had reported 20 aftershock activities, with the largest magnitude recorded at 5.1. BMKG also confirmed that this earthquake does not have the potential to generate a tsunami. Nelly urged the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by unverified information. “Also, avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged due to the earthquake and be aware of aftershocks that are still occurring,” she said.