BNPB Assesses Damage from Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake in Central Sulawesi

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and regional disaster management agencies (BPBD) are assessing the impact and damage caused by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that shook Central Sulawesi on Tuesday at 10.27 WIB (11.27 WITA).

BPBD Central Sulawesi Province continues to coordinate and conduct rapid assessments to obtain a comprehensive picture of the impact. As of now, no urgent needs have been reported from the affected areas, said Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Communication Centre for Disasters, in Jakarta on Tuesday. He emphasised that the BNPB and local government are continuing to identify the needs of communities in the affected areas.

Based on data parameters from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake was centred on land at coordinates 1.03 South Latitude and 120.24 East Longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Palu City, 54 kilometres northeast of Sigi Regency, 70 kilometres northwest of Poso Regency, and 81 kilometres southeast of Donggala Regency.

In Palu City, strong shaking was felt for about 4 to 6 seconds. Residents panicked and rushed out of their homes to save themselves. The Palu City BPBD immediately conducted monitoring and rapid assessments after the earthquake. In Donggala Regency, the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity for about 2 seconds. The public briefly panicked, while the local BPBD monitored for possible impacts.

Strong shaking was also felt in Poso Regency for approximately 6 seconds. Residents were reported to have panicked, and the Poso Regency BPBD is still collecting data in the field. Meanwhile, in Sigi Regency, the earthquake was felt for about 5 seconds. Residents left their homes to avoid the risk of aftershocks. The Sigi Regency BPBD continues to assess the condition of the affected areas.

Additionally, the earthquake’s tremors were felt in Parigi Moutong Regency. The vibrations were felt by many people, both indoors and outdoors. Windows and doors were reported to have creaked, and building walls made sounds. Preliminary reports noted damage to several buildings in several locations in Palu City, Sigi Regency, and Parigi Moutong Regency. However, as of the issuance of this press release, details on the number and extent of the damage are still being recorded by local BPBD teams.

BMKG reported that as of 12.17 WITA, 13 aftershocks of varying magnitudes had occurred around the location of the main earthquake. The public in the affected areas is urged to remain vigilant. BNPB appeals to the public to stay calm, not be provoked by unverified information, and follow the directives of the local government, BPBD, and BMKG. Residents are asked to remain alert to the potential for aftershocks, check the condition of buildings before re-entering their homes, and immediately stay away from buildings that have cracks or damage until they are declared safe by authorised officers.