Central Sulawesi Enters Post-Earthquake Transition Phase to Accelerate Recovery

The Central Sulawesi provincial government has officially ended the emergency response status for the magnitude 6.7 earthquake and moved into a transition phase towards recovery. Deputy Governor Reny A. Lamadjido stated that the transition period, effective from 1 July to 30 July 2026, is a momentum to accelerate the recovery process for affected communities. “The emergency response status cannot last forever. According to regulations, we must enter a transition period. This does not mean the handling is complete, but we are beginning to assist the community to return to independent living,” she said in Palu on Wednesday. Despite the shift in status, the government remains present to provide services and support to affected residents. Logistical assistance, support for those still in temporary shelters, and coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and district governments will continue as needed. The Deputy Governor noted that BNPB has already constructed 50 temporary shelters. She urged all relevant regional apparatus organisations to maintain coordination and ensure the recovery process runs smoothly until the community can fully resume normal activities. Data from the emergency response task force recorded that the earthquake damaged 4,011 houses, with 266 severely damaged, 1,195 moderately damaged, and 2,550 lightly damaged.