Palu Residents Queue at Petrol Stations After Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake

Palu (ANTARA) - Long queues of vehicles formed at several public petrol stations (SPBU) in Palu City, Central Sulawesi, as residents sought to refuel after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake shook the region on Tuesday. At a number of SPBUs, dozens of cars and motorcycles were seen queuing to fill up shortly after the quake struck, including at the SPBU on Jalan Imam Bonjol and Sisingamangaraja. Residents with vehicles appeared to crowd the petrol stations due to concerns over possible aftershocks and emergency mobility needs. Rahmat Arsyad, a Palu resident, admitted he headed straight to an SPBU to fill his vehicle’s tank after feeling the strong tremors. “After the earthquake earlier, I immediately filled up with fuel because I was worried about aftershocks and having to move to a safer place. The queue was also quite long because many residents had the same idea,” he said. Another resident, Akbar Aba, noted that increased queues occurred at several SPBUs he passed after the earthquake. “Many vehicles entered the SPBU. Perhaps people want to be prepared so their vehicles are ready to use at any time,” he said. Previously, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that a magnitude 6.7 earthquake shook the Central Sulawesi region at 10:27 WITA. The epicentre was located approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Palu City at a depth of 10 kilometres. BMKG also recorded dozens of aftershocks until midday, urging the public to remain alert but not panic and to follow official information from relevant authorities. As of now, some residents are still choosing to stay in open areas and prepare emergency supplies, including ensuring fuel availability for vehicles to anticipate possible post-earthquake emergency situations. Head of the Palu City Transportation Department, Trisno Yunianto, said that access to the Palu III Bridge is temporarily closed because parts of the bridge experienced problems after being shaken by the earthquake. The Palu city government and local police are implementing traffic engineering by preparing alternative routes. “Signs have been installed. Officers from the police and transportation department have also been deployed to manage traffic flow. This policy is based on the regional head’s directive to provide a sense of safety and comfort to road users,” he stated.