Several Untad Campus Buildings Damaged by Palu Earthquake

Several educational facilities at Tadulako University (Untad) in Palu, Central Sulawesi, have been reported damaged after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Palu region on Tuesday afternoon (16/06/2026).

Based on preliminary data collected by the university, the damage affects several buildings which, ironically, had only recently completed rehabilitation and reconstruction following the major disaster in 2018.

The Rector of Untad, Prof. Amar, confirmed that there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries resulting from the event. “As of now, no deaths or injuries have been reported due to the earthquake,” Prof. Amar stated in a written statement in Palu on Tuesday.

Data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) shows the earthquake occurred at 11:27 WITA. The epicentre was located at coordinates 1.03 degrees South Latitude and 120.24 degrees East Longitude, approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Palu City at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres.

The State Property (BMN) team, alongside Untad’s technical team, has conducted an initial identification. The results show various levels of damage, ranging from wall cracks to damage to learning facilities. The university will immediately conduct a thorough technical assessment to ensure the structural safety of the buildings before they are used again for academic activities.

Prof. Amar emphasised that the results of this technical assessment will serve as the basis for the university to determine further mitigation steps to guarantee the safety of the entire academic community. Furthermore, this incident will serve as an important evaluation of higher education infrastructure reconstruction programmes in disaster-prone areas.

“We will communicate the progress of the assessment results and policies regarding the implementation of academic activities through the official channels of Tadulako University,” he concluded.

The 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook Central Sulawesi, including areas near Palu, due to the activity of the Sausu Fault. BMKG reported building damage in Sigi and Poso.

At least 15 residential houses in Parigi Moutong Regency (Parimo), Central Sulawesi, were damaged due to the earthquake. The Palu City Government took swift action by temporarily closing traffic access to the Palu III Bridge following the impact of the earthquake.

Extreme panic gripped the residents of Palu City immediately after the 6.7 magnitude tectonic earthquake struck Central Sulawesi on Tuesday. The Palu Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas) took immediate steps following the tremor. Additionally, operational activities at the Pantoloan Container Terminal (TPK) in Central Sulawesi were temporarily suspended after the earthquake hit the Palu region.