Sulawesi earthquake kills three, injures dozens, displaces thousands

A magnitude‑6.7 tectonic earthquake struck Central Sulawesi on 16 June 2026, with its epicenter about 42 km southeast of Palu at a depth of 10 km. By 18 June the BMKG had recorded 703 aftershocks, the largest reaching magnitude 5.2.

The BNPB confirmed three fatalities – two in Desa Ampera (Kecamatan Palolo) and one in Desa Kamarora A (Kecamatan Nokilalaki) – along with 17 seriously injured and 91 lightly injured. The disaster affected 2 109 households, roughly 6 412 people. Physical damage includes 1 652 homes (1 472 lightly damaged, 111 moderately, 69 severely), 42 houses of worship, 13 schools and several public buildings such as the Sigi regency office.

Authorities declared a 14‑day emergency in the hardest‑hit Sigi district. BNPB dispatched emergency logistics, shelters and coordinated TNI and police support, while head Suharyanto planned a site visit. The Geological Agency highlighted the region’s complex geology and soft soils as key factors that amplified the quake’s impact, and launched mapping of liquefaction‑prone zones to reduce future risk.