Indonesia quake claiming at least one life revives memories of the 2018 Palu disaster

A magnitude-6.7 earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, killing at least one person, injuring dozens and damaging homes, public facilities and transport infrastructure. The earthquake was centred inland, about 43 km east-southeast of Palu, at a shallow depth of approximately 10 km. Strong shaking lasted for more than a minute and was followed by dozens of aftershocks.

The quake sent residents fleeing into open areas across Palu and nearby districts. Several hospitals evacuated patients outdoors as a precaution, including patients still connected to IV drips. In the hardest-hit areas, authorities reported one death, 38 injuries and at least 312 displaced people. Damage was recorded to 67 houses, six places of worship, four public facilities, two bridges, two government office buildings and three business sites. A section of a provincial road linking Palu with Sigi and Poso was also cut.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency recorded at least 71 aftershocks following the main earthquake. Although authorities stated that there was no tsunami threat, many residents moved away from coastal areas as a precaution. Their response was strongly influenced by the memory of the 2018 Palu disaster, when a magnitude-7.5 earthquake triggered a tsunami and widespread liquefaction, killing more than 4,000 people.

While the latest event did not produce the same scale of destruction, it underlined the vulnerability of communities and infrastructure in Central Sulawesi. Shallow earthquakes can generate intense local shaking, particularly near the epicentral area. Buildings with weak detailing, poor material quality or previous damage are more likely to suffer cracking, partial collapse or roof failure.