M6.7 Earthquake Damages Sigi Regent's Office and Tadulako University Auditorium

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake that shook Palu, Central Sulawesi, caused moderate damage on Tuesday (16/6). Damage was recorded at the Sigi Regent’s Office and Tadulako University Auditorium. “Based on information we have received, both from the BMKG regional unit in the area and from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), there is non-structural damage of a moderate category in three locations,” said BMKG Director of Engineering Seismology, Geophysics Potential, and Time Signals, Teguh Rahayu, during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (16/6). The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 16 km and was triggered by the Sausu Fault, also caused damage to the Santika Hotel, a café in Palu, and the Best Western Hotel. “As of 12 o’clock, the update we have received is limited to that non-structural moderate damage,” Rahayu added. BMKG has deployed teams to the field to conduct surveys and observe the direct impact of the earthquake. Meanwhile, BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto, confirmed that the earthquake did not have the potential to generate a tsunami. “We confirm that this earthquake does not have tsunami potential based on our modelling results, and we are also monitoring several tide gauge stations in the area,” he stated. He noted that a minor sea level rise of approximately 7.5 cm was detected at Pantoloan Port, but stressed that this was not a dangerous wave. “We urge the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues suggesting this earthquake could cause a tsunami,” he emphasised.