Overview
- A shallow, powerful quake struck near Palu in Central Sulawesi, producing intense shaking that forced residents outdoors and lasted more than a minute according to eyewitness accounts.
- Local officials report at least one death, dozens of injuries and damage to homes and infrastructure while emergency teams carry out rapid assessments.
- Indonesia’s BMKG logged more than 70 aftershocks during the day, which increased fear and prompted evacuations to open areas around the city.
- Instrument readings differ: the U.S. Geological Survey placed the quake at about 10 km depth and near 46 km east-southeast of Palu while some local statements gave a higher magnitude, leaving exact sizing unresolved in early reports.
- The event revived traumatic memories of the 2018 Palu earthquake and tsunami and highlights the region’s ongoing seismic vulnerability as authorities continue rescue and safety operations.