Residents Evacuate After Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Shakes Buol

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Central Sulawesi reported that residents evacuated to higher ground after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake shook Buol Regency on Sunday evening. The agency’s chief executive, Asbudianto, stated that the evacuation was a precautionary measure driven by panic following the tremor. The BPBD’s Rapid Reaction Team in Buol, together with the provincial Disaster Management Operations Control Centre, is currently conducting field assessments. The number of affected residents, evacuees, and any urgent needs are still being compiled. Power outages were also reported in several areas after the earthquake. According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the tectonic earthquake occurred at 20:46 WIB with its epicentre located at coordinates 1.31 degrees North Latitude and 121.36 degrees East Longitude, approximately 37 kilometres northeast of Buol, at a depth of 21 kilometres. BMKG modelling indicates the earthquake had no tsunami potential. The BPBD has urged the public to remain calm, not to panic, and to stay alert for potential aftershocks while following official information from the government and BMKG.