A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island near Palu on June 16, 2026, causing scattered damage and triggering panic among residents. Authorities confirmed that while buildings sustained cracks and partial collapses, no tsunami threat was declared.
The tremor, centered east-southeast of Palu, forced hospitals to evacuate patients outdoors and prompted hotel guests to rush into open spaces. Several aftershocks, the strongest at 5.2 magnitude, were recorded, keeping residents on alert.
Local officials reported collapsed roofs, damaged walls, and minor disruptions to power and services. Emergency teams are assessing the extent of damage, though no major casualties have been confirmed so far.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity. The quake revived memories of the devastating 2018 Palu earthquake and tsunami, which killed thousands, heightening fear among residents during the current tremors.
Authorities have urged people to stay outdoors, avoid damaged structures, and remain vigilant for possible landslides in mountainous areas as aftershocks continue.
