Central Sulawesi Earthquake Kills One Person, Destroys Dozens of Buildings

The building of a resident's house that was damaged by an earthquake in Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (BNPB photo)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that one person died due to a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that shook Central Sulawesi Province on Tuesday, June 16. In addition to the death toll, hundreds of people were affected and dozens of buildings were damaged in a number of areas.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that the provisional data collected until 19.00 WIB showed that the impact of the earthquake was still continuing to develop as the data collection process was carried out in the field.

"Based on the reports we received until 19.00 WIB, one resident was reported dead in Sigi Regency. Data collection on victims and damage is still being carried out by the BPBD and joint teams in the field," said Abdul Muhari in a written statement, Wednesday, June 17.

According to Abdul, so far, around 110 families (KK) or 312 people have been affected by the earthquake. In addition, 25 residents suffered minor injuries and 13 residents suffered serious injuries.

The victim who died was from Sigi Regency which was the region with the most significant impact. In that area, a total of 89 KK or 272 people were affected. A total of 22 residents suffered minor injuries and 13 residents suffered serious injuries.

Meanwhile, Parigi Moutong Regency recorded 21 households or 40 people affected. In Palu City, there were two residents who suffered minor injuries, while in Poso Regency one resident suffered injuries and is still in the process of further data collection.

"The data we provide is still provisional and is very likely to increase as the verification process and data collection still take place in the field," said Abdul.

BNPB also noted an increase in the number of buildings that were damaged. Based on provisional data, at least 67 houses were affected by the earthquake.

Of these, 26 houses were slightly damaged, six were moderately damaged, and 12 were severely damaged.

In addition to residents' houses, damage also occurred to six places of worship, two bridges, one public facility, two office buildings, three businesses, and one provincial road that connects Palu, Sigi, and Poso which experienced landslides.

Abdul explained that the most damage occurred in Sigi Regency with a total of 47 houses affected, consisting of 23 houses damaged slightly, six houses damaged moderately, and 12 houses damaged severely.

"In Sigi Regency, six worship facilities were also recorded as affected, two office buildings were affected, one bridge was affected, and one UMKM unit was damaged. The team is still carrying out assessments to ensure the actual conditions on the ground," he said.

Meanwhile, Poso Regency reported five houses were affected and three houses were slightly damaged. In Parigi Moutong Regency, there were about 15 houses affected.

Meanwhile, in Palu City, cracks were reported on Bridge III. In addition, one public facility, one hotel, and one business also suffered damage due to the earthquake.

In an effort to accelerate handling, BNPB together with BPBD, the Rapid Response Team (TRC), local governments, and related parties continue to conduct a quick survey and data collection in the affected areas to ensure optimal handling.

In Sigi Regency, the BPBD together with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) has held a coordination meeting to handle emergencies. The Sigi Regency Government is also processing the determination of the emergency response status for 14 days.

To speed up coordination and services to affected residents, field posts are concentrated at the Nokilalaki Sub-district Office.

"Field posts have been activated to facilitate cross-sectoral coordination, distribution of assistance, and services to affected communities. We continue to strive to ensure that all basic needs of the people can be met," said Abdul.

Meanwhile, in Poso Regency, BPBD together with the local government has set up emergency tents in the environment of the Poso Regency Hospital to support health services for the community. Residents together with the police also cleaned the debris of buildings damaged by the earthquake.

Abdul emphasized that BNPB continues to coordinate with local governments to accelerate emergency handling while mapping the needs for assistance needed by the community.

"The current priority is the safety of residents, handling victims, data collection on damage, and ensuring that basic services continue for affected communities," he said.

BNPB also reminded that aftershocks were still occurring until the afternoon. Therefore, the public is asked to remain vigilant but not panic and follow official information from the government and BMKG.

"We appeal to the public to remain calm, not easily influenced by unverified information, and to follow the instructions of officers and official information from the government and BMKG. Don't be tempted by information that is not clear about its source," said Abdul.

BNPB ensures that it will continue to monitor the development of the situation and provide periodic updates as the data collection and handling process takes place in the field.

"We will continue to monitor and provide the latest developments to the public. All parties are expected to remain vigilant and support the government's ongoing handling efforts," said Abdul Muhari.