Central Sulawesi BPBD Records 42 Aftershocks Following M 6.7 Earthquake

The Central Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has recorded 42 aftershocks following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that shook Parigi Moutong Regency on Tuesday (16/6). The earthquake, which occurred around 10:27 a.m. local time (WITA), was also felt in several other areas, including Palu City, Sigi Regency, Parigi Moutong, and Poso Regency.

Head of Central Sulawesi BPBD Asbudianto stated that as of 1:38 p.m. WITA, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) had recorded dozens of aftershocks of varying magnitudes. “The number of aftershocks is 42 (updated at 1:38 p.m. WITA), consisting of one with a magnitude of around 5, ten with a magnitude of around 4, and 31 with a magnitude of around 3. In addition, there were four aftershocks with a magnitude of around 2,” Asbudianto said in his statement.

Based on BMKG analysis, the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7 with its epicentre located on land, approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Palu City, at a depth of 10 kilometres. “BMKG monitoring results indicate a number of aftershock events with varying magnitudes around the main earthquake point,” he said.

Asbudianto explained that the BPBD is still collecting data on the earthquake’s impact in the affected areas. In Palu City, cracks were recorded on the Palu III Bridge and several buildings sustained damage. Meanwhile, in Sigi Regency, a landslide was reported in the Mount Kamarora area, which resulted in the disruption of water channels. “In Poso Regency and Parigi Moutong Regency, there are also a number of buildings that have suffered damage,” he said.

Additionally, road access in the Napu area was reported to have been damaged by the earthquake. However, the local BPBD is still conducting further data collection to ascertain the total impact caused. “Currently, all local BPBDs are still collecting data,” said Asbudianto.