BMKG receives reports of building damage following earthquake in Palu

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Geophysics Station Class 1 Palu has received reports of damage to a number of buildings following a magnitude 6.7 tectonic earthquake that shook the region on Tuesday at 10.27 WIB. Observer Hendrik confirmed that several structures were affected. Damage was reported at government buildings and public facilities. In Sigi Regency, the ceiling of the Sigi Regent’s Office was damaged, and some floor sections were also reported to have cracked due to the tremors. At Tadulako University, the ceiling of the university auditorium was damaged and some building materials fell as a result of the strong vibrations. Minor damage was also reported at several hotels in Palu City, including parts of the Best Western Coco Palu and Santika Hotel buildings. However, there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries from the incident. BMKG reported that the tectonic earthquake’s epicentre was located on land at coordinates 1.13 South latitude and 120.27 East longitude, approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Palu City. The earthquake was classified as shallow with a focal depth of 10 kilometres, but mathematical modelling indicates the seismic activity does not have the potential to trigger a tsunami.