Palu, Central Sulawesi. A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Palu in Central Sulawesi on Tuesday damaged homes, public facilities, and infrastructure across several affected areas, while residents remained outdoors amid continuing aftershocks.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said the quake struck at 11:27 a.m. local time or around 10.27 in Jakarta, with its epicenter located about 42 kilometers southeast of Palu at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The tremor was strongly felt in Palu, Parigi Moutong, Sigi, Donggala, and nearby areas, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of homes and buildings. In Parigi Moutong Regency, local disaster mitigation officials reported that at least two homes suffered minor damage in Boyantongo Village and Tolai Village. 

“The earthquake, centered at a depth of 10 kilometers, caused panic because the shaking was felt quite strongly throughout Parigi Moutong,” acting head of the local disaster mitigation agency (BPBD), Rivai said in a statement.

Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to coordinate with local authorities and assess the damage. Officials said many residents were still staying outside their homes due to ongoing aftershocks.

In Palu, several buildings were also damaged, including a former restaurant building converted into a coffee shop on Jalan Tanjung Manimbaya. The structure suffered heavy damage, with part of the roof collapsing and the front wall crumbling.

The building’s owner, Rasyid Sidi, said no one was inside when the quake struck because the property had not been operating for the past three months.

“Fortunately, there was no activity inside the building when the earthquake happened,” he said.

Authorities also temporarily closed Palu III Bridge after cracks were reportedly discovered in parts of the structure following the quake. The bridge connects downtown Palu with western parts of the city and is considered a key transportation link.

Police and emergency personnel blocked access to the bridge while technical teams conducted structural inspections. Authorities have yet to announce the extent of the damage or when the bridge will reopen.

Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid ordered all relevant government agencies, medical personnel, and disaster response teams to carry out emergency measures to ensure public safety.

“Public safety is our top priority. I have instructed all government agencies to move quickly in handling the emergency situation, assist affected residents, and ensure basic needs are met,” Anwar said in a statement.

The governor also deployed medical teams to affected areas and instructed hospitals and healthcare facilities to increase preparedness for possible additional casualties and medical needs following the earthquake.

Hospitals were asked to prepare emergency service tents in open areas to protect patients and healthcare workers in the event of strong aftershocks. Provincial disaster management authorities were also instructed to prepare temporary evacuation shelters for displaced residents.

Authorities are continuing to assess damaged buildings and infrastructure, while technical teams inspect structures to determine whether they are safe for public use.

No fatalities or injuries had been officially reported as of Tuesday afternoon. Officials urged residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks, avoid damaged buildings, and follow official updates from BMKG and local authorities.

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