Central Indonesia shaken by 6.7 magnitude earthquake

The shallow quake struck near Palu, Central Sulawesi, with strong tremors felt across nearby areas.

PALU, Indonesia: A shallow magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck central Indonesia on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Authorities confirmed there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage following the tremor.

The quake occurred at 10:27 am local time (0227 GMT), with its epicenter located east-southeast of Palu in Central Sulawesi province. The shaking was strongly felt across Palu and nearby Sigi, prompting brief panic among residents.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency stated that the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami warning.

Locals reported sudden and intense shaking that caused concern inside homes.

Nur Haidar, a 42-year-old resident of Palu, said she was in her kitchen when the quake struck. She described the moment as a sudden jolt that caused the entire house to shake violently, adding that the sound of the roof made it feel as though it might collapse.

She said she quickly evacuated with children in the house, despite initial confusion and disorientation.

Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a highly active seismic zone where tectonic plates frequently collide, making earthquakes a common occurrence across the archipelago.

The region has a tragic history of major seismic disasters. In 2018, a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake and tsunami in Palu resulted in more than 2,200 deaths, highlighting the area’s vulnerability to large-scale natural disasters.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation for any aftershocks or potential damage assessments, while emergency response teams remain on alert.