Shallow Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake Shakes Palu, Hospital Patients Evacuated

A tectonic earthquake measuring magnitude 6.7 shook the city of Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Tuesday (16/6). The strong tremors caused residents to panic and flee their homes to seek safety.

Panic also ensued at Samaritan Hospital. Patients, their families, and healthcare workers rushed out of the building into open areas moments after the quake was felt.

According to the latest data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the epicentre was located at sea at coordinates 1.04 degrees south latitude and 120.23 degrees east longitude. The location is approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Palu, at a depth of 10 kilometres.

BMKG stated that the earthquake had no potential to cause a tsunami. However, the vibrations were felt quite strongly in several areas, including Palu City, Sigi Regency, Donggala, and Tojo Una-Una Regency.

At Samaritan Hospital, the evacuation process was carried out as a precautionary measure against possible aftershocks or other impacts that could endanger patient safety.

Several patients undergoing treatment were evacuated using wheelchairs and beds. Hospital staff moved quickly to direct patients and visitors to areas considered safer.

The hospital grounds were filled with patients and families who chose to remain outside the building while waiting for the situation to become completely conducive.

"We ran outside because the shaking was very strong," said Salam, a resident who was in the hospital area at the time, as quoted by Antara.

Despite the initial panic, the evacuation process proceeded in an orderly manner. Hospital staff continuously ensured that all patients received care and remained in a safe condition.