UNIPA News(Jakarta)-A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province on Tuesday, triggering strong aftershocks and causing damage in several areas, particularly in the provincial capital of Palu.
According to seismic monitoring agencies, the earthquake’s epicentre was located approximately 46 kilometres east-southeast of Palu at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The tremor caused intense shaking that lasted for more than a minute and was followed by a series of significant aftershocks measuring 5.2, 5.0, and 4.9 in magnitude.
Authorities reported scattered damage across Palu, a city of around 400,000 residents. Emergency assessments were underway to determine the full extent of the impact.
As a precautionary measure, hospitals evacuated patients from buildings following the quake. Medical staff moved patients, including those receiving intravenous treatment, to open areas amid concerns over possible structural damage and continued aftershocks.
No immediate reports of fatalities or large-scale injuries were released by authorities at the time of reporting. Emergency response teams remained on alert as aftershocks continued to be felt across the region.
Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, making the country highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Central Sulawesi has experienced major earthquakes in the past. In January 2021, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Mamuju on Sulawesi Island, killing more than 100 people and displacing thousands as residents sought safety from continuing aftershocks.
Authorities are continuing damage assessments and monitoring seismic activity in the affected region.
