Geological Agency Maps Four Liquefaction-Prone Zones in Central Sulawesi
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has officially released an updated map of areas highly susceptible to liquefaction in Central Sulawesi Province. The move follows a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that shook the region several days ago.
Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, revealed that based on the updated technical monitoring map, four regencies and cities are now under intensive observation. These areas are considered to have soil characteristics prone to structural failure when shaken by strong earthquakes.
During a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (19/6), Lana named the four main areas of focus for liquefaction potential mapping. “Liquefaction can potentially occur in water-saturated sandy soil layers that experience strong shaking,” Lana said. She explained that theoretically, onshore earthquake tremors increase pore water pressure in saturated sandy soil, causing a sudden loss of soil bearing capacity.
Lana emphasised that this potential status does not mean a liquefaction disaster will immediately occur across all points. The map is a scientific indicator aimed at raising awareness and strengthening structural mitigation in affected areas.
The Geological Agency considers it necessary to conduct more specific microzonation studies to determine risk classifications at each location. This data is expected to serve as a fundamental reference for local governments in formulating spatial planning policies and safe zone zoning.
Based on the mapping, areas with high vulnerability include Dolo, Gumbasa, Marawola, and Tanambulava in Sigi Regency, as well as West Palu, South Palu, and North Palu in Palu City.
The compilation of this vulnerability map is based on various comprehensive geological parameters. “It must be understood that this vulnerability map is not a prediction of when an earthquake will occur, but rather a depiction of the potential hazard level if an earthquake were to occur in that area,” Lana added.
The Geological Agency urged local disaster authorities and the public to remain calm but vigilant. Geological resilience aspects must be made a primary prerequisite in post-disaster infrastructure and settlement reconstruction plans to minimise future risks.