Earthquake hits Palu

PALU, Central Sulawesi: An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit the Donggala regency's eastern coast yesterday afternoon, prompting frightened residents to flee their homes.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or serious injuries. Damage to buildings was also said to be minor, Antara reported.

The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency in the South Sulawesi capital of Ujungpandang reported that the quake's epicenter was 21 kilometers beneath the Tomini Bay, about 100 kilometers northeast of Palu.

The brief earthquake occurred at 1:04 p.m.