Central Sulawesi Earthquake Death Toll Rises to Three

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has announced that the death toll from the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Central Sulawesi has risen to three, based on updated rapid assessment data. Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Communication Centre, stated in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6) that all three victims were identified in Sigi Regency, the epicentre of the worst impact. “As of Thursday at 13:51 WIB, confirmed casualties are three dead, 17 seriously injured, and 91 lightly injured. The cumulative impact of the disaster has affected at least 2,109 families or a total of 6,412 people,” he said. Abdul explained that the fatalities were located in the residential areas of Ampera Village in Palolo District, Kamarora A Village in Nokilalaki District, and one other victim who was recently verified by field officers. The physical impact of the disaster also damaged at least 1,652 residential homes, with details of 1,472 houses suffering light damage, 111 houses moderately damaged, and 69 houses severely damaged. The shallow 10-kilometre-deep earthquake also damaged 42 places of worship, 13 school buildings, and eight office facilities, including the Sigi Regent’s Office and the Sigi Regional Development Planning and Innovation Agency (Bapperinda) office. To accelerate recovery on the ground, the Sigi Regency Government has declared a 14-day emergency response status, while BNPB is simultaneously providing emergency logistical aid and large-scale refugee tents. Responding to these developments, BNPB Chief Suharyanto is scheduled to depart directly for the affected location in Sigi Regency on Friday (19/6) to command the effectiveness of emergency handling and integrate the tactical movements of TNI and Polri personnel in the field.