A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale has struck Indonesia, forcing the evacuation of hospitals and causing damage to buildings across the region.
Details of the Quake
The earthquake hit Sulawesi island at 1:27 PM AEST on Tuesday, according to Indonesia's geophysics agency BMKG. The epicentre was located approximately 42 kilometres southeast of the city of Palu at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Following the initial quake, a series of strong aftershocks rattled the area, with the largest registering a magnitude of 5.2.
No Tsunami Warning
Authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat from the earthquake. Despite the lack of a tsunami warning, residents remain on alert as aftershocks continue.
Damage and Evacuations
While no casualties have been reported so far, scattered damage has been recorded across the affected region. Patients were evacuated from several hospitals as a precautionary measure. Some individuals were seen outside medical facilities still attached to IV drips, awaiting further instructions.
Local authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage, with reports indicating cracks in buildings and collapsed structures in some areas.
Memories of 2018 Disaster
The earthquake has revived painful memories of the devastating 2018 earthquake and tsunami that struck Palu and its surrounding areas. That disaster, which registered a magnitude of 7.5, triggered a tsunami and widespread liquefaction, causing saturated ground to collapse and swallow entire neighbourhoods.
More than 4,000 people lost their lives in one of Indonesia's deadliest natural disasters. The 2018 event remains a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity.
Ongoing Monitoring
BMKG continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid damaged buildings. Emergency services are on standby to respond to any further developments.
