BNPB Details Moments of M 6.7 Earthquake Shaking Palu, Several Buildings Severely Damaged

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake shook the Palu region in Central Sulawesi on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, at 10.27 WIB (11.27 WITA). The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD) in the affected areas are continuing to monitor and assess the impact.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre Abdul Muhari explained that 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,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

He further explained that the strong shaking felt in Palu City lasted for about 4 to 6 seconds. Afterwards, residents panicked and rushed out of their homes to save themselves. The Palu City BPBD immediately conducted monitoring and a rapid assessment after the earthquake. Meanwhile, in Donggala Regency, the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity for about 2 seconds. The community 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 be panicked, and the Poso Regency BPBD is still collecting data in the field. In Sigi Regency, the earthquake was felt for about 5 seconds. Residents also rushed out of their homes to avoid the risk of aftershocks. The Sigi Regency BPBD is continuing to assess the condition of the affected areas.

Abdul Muhari added that the earthquake tremors were also 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 a number of 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 damage are still being compiled by local BPBD teams. Data collection on possible casualties and displaced residents is also ongoing.