Geological Agency Maps Four Central Sulawesi Regions at Risk of Liquefaction

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has mapped several areas in Central Sulawesi Province that have a high probability and vulnerability to liquefaction following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake several days ago. Agency Head Lana Saria stated during a press conference on Friday that an updated technical monitoring map indicates four regencies and cities require intensive attention. “The areas that need attention include Sigi Regency, Palu City, Parigi Moutong Regency, and parts of Poso Regency. Liquefaction can potentially occur in water-saturated sandy soil layers that experience strong shaking,” she said. Lana explained that this potential status does not mean a liquefaction disaster will definitely occur at all points, but rather serves as a scientific indicator showing the need for increased vigilance and strengthened structural mitigation. Therefore, the Geological Agency considers a more detailed and specific microzonation study essential to determine in-depth risk classifications for each location in the four areas. Lana revealed that the released data and liquefaction distribution map are expected to become a fundamental reference for local governments in formulating spatial planning and safe zoning policies. In addition, she presented the results of mapping areas with high earthquake vulnerability, which include several parts of Sigi Regency and Palu City, such as Dolo, Gumbasa, Marawola, Tanambulava, West Palu, South Palu, and North Palu. Meanwhile, other areas fall into the medium to high category. “However, it must be understood that this vulnerability map is not a prediction of when an earthquake will occur, but rather an illustration of the potential hazard level if an earthquake were to happen in that area,” Lana said. The agency urged local disaster authorities and the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to make geological resilience a primary prerequisite in post-disaster settlement infrastructure reconstruction plans.