BNPB: Earthquake death toll in Central Sulawesi rises to three

Jakarta - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has announced that the death toll from the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Central Sulawesi has risen to three, based on updated rapid assessment data. Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, stated on Thursday that all three victims were identified in Sigi Regency, the epicentre of the most severe impact. ‘As of Thursday at 13.51 Western Indonesia Time, three fatalities have been confirmed, along with 17 serious injuries and 91 minor injuries. The cumulative disaster impact has affected at least 2,109 households, or approximately 6,412 people,’ he said. Abdul detailed that the deceased were located in the residential areas of Ampera Village in Palolo District, Kamarora A Village in Nokilalaki District, and a third victim who had just been verified by field officers. The shallow 10-kilometre-deep earthquake also damaged 42 houses of worship, 13 school buildings, and eight office facilities, including the Sigi Regent’s Office and the Sigi Regional Development Planning and Innovation Agency office. To accelerate on-the-ground recovery, the Sigi Regency Government has declared a 14-day emergency response status, while BNPB is simultaneously distributing emergency logistical aid and large-scale refugee tents.