Palu : A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on Tuesday, triggering panic among residents and causing scattered damage in several areas, according to reports by Associated Press and Reuters.
The earthquake was centred near Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, and was followed by a series of aftershocks. Authorities said there was no tsunami threat after the quake.
Strong Tremors Shake Palu
As reported by Associated Press, the tremor lasted for more than a minute in Palu, a city that is still haunted by memories of the devastating 2018 earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands.
Intense scenes as a magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes near Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia today.. pic.twitter.com/Qj57hfXZAY
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 16, 2026
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake struck about 43 kilometres east-southeast of Palu at a shallow depth of nearly 10 kilometres. Reuters, citing Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), reported that the epicentre was located around 42 kilometres southeast of the city.
The strongest aftershock recorded after the main quake measured 5.2 in magnitude.
Residents Rush Outdoors Amid Fear
The powerful shaking forced residents to run out of homes, hotels and public buildings in fear. Hospitals in the affected region evacuated patients outdoors as a precautionary measure, with some patients reportedly moved while still attached to IV drips, Associated Press reported.
Several buildings suffered damage, including collapsed roofs and debris scattered on roads. However, officials had not immediately confirmed any casualties at the time of reporting.
Hotels in Palu also evacuated guests as aftershocks continued to rattle the region.
Authorities Continue Damage Assessment
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency said assessment teams were still evaluating the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake.
BMKG confirmed that the earthquake did not pose any tsunami risk but warned residents to remain alert because of continuing aftershocks.
Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity because the country lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active regions.
Memories of Earlier Disasters Return
The latest quake revived painful memories of previous disasters in Sulawesi. In September 2018, a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake and the tsunami that followed killed more than 4,000 people in Palu and nearby areas.
In another major disaster, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi in January 2021, leaving at least 100 people dead and forcing thousands to stay outdoors for days because of fears of further tremors.
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