A 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Sulawesi, Indonesia, causing significant damage and casualties. The quake occurred Tuesday, affecting areas around Palu on Sulawesi Island, a region still recovering from a devastating earthquake and tsunami eight years ago.
The initial tremor was located approximately 27 miles east-southeast of Palu and had a depth of about 6 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This strong quake forced many residents of Palu, a city with a population of 400,000 and the capital of Central Sulawesi province, to seek safety in open areas. Several hospitals in the region opted to move patients outdoors as a precaution.
The earthquake struck four regencies near the epicenter, with a combined population of 1.3 million, but these areas have yet to be fully assessed. Preliminary reports indicated 312 people were displaced, with one confirmed fatality and 38 injuries. Of these, 13 were serious and primarily located in the heavily affected Sigi regency, as per information from Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency.
The quake inflicted significant damage on infrastructure, including 67 homes, six houses of worship, four public facilities, and several other structures. Transportation was also disrupted, with a vital provincial road between Palu, Sigi, and Poso impacted.
At least 71 aftershocks followed throughout the day, adding to the tension among residents who recalled the catastrophic 2018 earthquake and tsunami. Although the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency ruled out a tsunami, the risk of aftershocks persisted.
Palu resident Muhtar Ahmad expressed his fear, stating, “We are still traumatized by the previous earthquake, so we chose to remain outside because we are afraid that aftershocks may continue.”
Images from the area depicted severe structural damage, with collapsed roofs and debris strewn across streets. Effendi Natali, a general manager at a local hotel, reported evacuating all guests due to panic, although his hotel experienced only minor damage.
The memories of the 2018 disaster, where a magnitude-7.5 earthquake triggered a 10-foot tsunami and soil liquefaction, remain vivid. That tragedy took over 4,000 lives, swallowing entire neighborhoods as the ground gave way.
Earlier incidents, such as the January 2021 6.2-magnitude earthquake near Mamuju, which resulted in 100 deaths and forced thousands to sleep outside, highlight the region’s vulnerability. Indonesia’s geographic location along the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire” contributes to its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.