Governor: Upon Arrival in Central Sulawesi, I Will Inspect Earthquake-Affected Areas

Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid has said that after arriving in the province on Tuesday evening from a government work trip, he will immediately inspect the damage caused by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake. “I am in Jakarta carrying out government duties. God willing, tonight I will return to Central Sulawesi and directly inspect the affected locations,” Anwar Hafid said in a written statement received in Palu on Tuesday. He urged the public to remain calm and not panic. Although aftershocks are still occurring, he asked residents to follow official information and not be easily swayed by unverified reports. “Do not be easily influenced by information whose truth cannot be accounted for. Follow safety procedures and government or authorised agency appeals,” he said. He added that emergency posts would be set up, providing temporary shelters complete with public kitchens so that affected residents feel reassured.

Meanwhile, Head of the Palu Search and Rescue Office, Muh Rizal, said preliminary data as of 1.30 p.m. Central Indonesia Time recorded eight residents injured due to the earthquake, which was centred on land approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Palu City. “The number of victims is eight people. There have been no fatalities. Two people suffered serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma, in Kamarora Village, Nokilalaki District, Sigi Regency,” he said. The shallow quake, with an epicentre depth of 10 kilometres, was felt strongly in Palu City, Sigi, Parigi Moutong, Poso, and Tojo Una-Una Regencies. The tremors triggered panic, with residents rushing out of homes, shopping centres, and other public facilities. Basarnas Palu, together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, and other relevant agencies, continues to monitor and assess the quake’s impact. A rescue team has also been deployed to Tadulako University to evaluate reports of partial ceiling damage to buildings caused by the earthquake. “Vital facilities such as hospitals and Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri Airport in Palu are monitored as safe and remain operational,” Rizal stated. Personnel and search and rescue equipment have been placed on standby to anticipate possible emergency conditions.