Indonesia hit by powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake

A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on Tuesday, causing strong shaking across Central Sulawesi province, damaging buildings and triggering a series of aftershocks.

Authorities said there was no tsunami risk, though residents were urged to remain cautious as emergency teams assessed the impact of the quake.

According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at approximately 11:27am local time (0327 GMT).

The epicenter was recorded about 42 to 46 kilometers (26 to 28.5 miles) east-southeast of Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometers (6 to 6.2 miles).

Experts say shallow earthquakes often produce stronger ground shaking, increasing the risk of damage.

Multiple aftershocks recorded

BMKG reported that several aftershocks followed the main earthquake. The aftershocks included a magnitude 5.2 tremor and several smaller earthquakes ranging between magnitude 4.0 and 4.2.

Footage circulating on social media showed frightened residents rushing outdoors as buildings shook violently.

Early images and videos from the affected region showed visible cracks in structures and partial damage to several buildings. Among the reported damaged sites was a university auditorium in Central Sulawesi.

Authorities advised residents to stay away from damaged buildings because of the possibility of additional aftershocks and structural collapses.

No tsunami threat reported

While some initial local reports mentioned a possible tsunami warning, Indonesian authorities later clarified that there was no significant tsunami threat associated with the earthquake.

BMKG confirmed there was no risk of a tsunami following the 6.7-magnitude quake.

Indonesia’s disaster management and meteorological agencies continued monitoring the situation while conducting field assessments.

Casualty, damage assessments underway

As of Tuesday, there were no immediate confirmed reports of deaths or injuries. Officials also said that a full assessment of damage had not yet been completed.

Residents across Central Sulawesi reported feeling the earthquake over a wide area, highlighting the strength of the tremor.

Although no casualties had been officially confirmed, the USGS estimated that the earthquake could potentially result in between 10 and 100 fatalities. The agency also projected possible economic losses ranging from $10 million to $100 million due to strong ground shaking, landslides or liquefaction.

These estimates remain preliminary and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Region vulnerable to major earthquakes

Palu and surrounding areas lie within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. The region is regularly affected by earthquakes and volcanic activity, making disaster preparedness a constant concern.

Tuesday’s earthquake revived painful memories of the devastating 2018 disaster that struck Palu. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake triggered a deadly tsunami and massive liquefaction, killing more than 4,000 people and swallowing entire neighborhoods.

Because of that tragedy, residents remain particularly sensitive to seismic activity in the area.

While Tuesday’s quake was powerful, authorities said it did not trigger destruction on the scale seen in 2018.

Authorities remain on alert

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and local disaster management officials are continuing assessments in affected communities.

Emergency teams remain on alert as aftershocks continue and authorities work to determine the full extent of damage across Central Sulawesi.