BMKG Reveals M 6.7 Palu Earthquake Was Shallow, Triggered by Active Fault

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has confirmed that the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that shook Palu, Central Sulawesi, was a shallow tectonic event triggered by an active fault. The quake’s epicentre was located on land, 42 kilometres southeast of Palu, at coordinates 1.03 degrees South latitude and 120.24 degrees East longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometres. BMKG analysis indicates the earthquake exhibited an oblique normal, or downward shear, movement mechanism. Based on the shakemap intensity estimates, the tremor was felt at VI-VII MMI in Torue, Parigi Moutong and South Parigi, at VII MMI in Palolo and Sigi, at V-VI MMI in Sigi Biromaru and Palu City, and at IV-V MMI in Poso City, Donggala City and Pasangkayu City. As of now, there have been no reports of damage caused by the tectonic earthquake, and modelling results confirm there is no tsunami potential.