BMKG records 782 aftershocks as Sulawesi quake death toll hits three

Palu (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 782 aftershocks in Central Sulawesi as of the third day.

"Based on our monitoring and analysis, the largest aftershock was magnitude 5.3," said Djati Cipto Kuncoro, Head of the BMKG Class I Palu Geophysical Station, in Palu, on Thursday.

The aftershocks are part of a series following a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7, with an epicenter 42 kilometers southeast of Palu City and a depth of 10 kilometers, that struck Central Sulawesi on Tuesday, June 16.

The BMKG urges the public to remain calm and avoid panic, and to always follow the latest earthquake information released by the local government and relevant authorities.

"We continue to update earthquake data and provide information to the public through the official BMKG channels and local government channels," he said.

Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid has issued a decree declaring an earthquake emergency response status effective from June 16 to 23, 2026.

The emergency response status covers Palu City, Sigi, Parigi Moutong, and Poso.

Previously, Sigi Deputy Regent Samuel Pongi stated that the earthquake that struck the regency resulted in casualties and building damage.

Since the first day of the disaster, the local government has taken emergency measures to help evacuate residents to safe places.

"We are striving to provide excellent service to affected residents. The local government has established a main post, a health post, and a public kitchen to meet the community's needs," said Pongi, who is also the Head of the Sigi Disaster Emergency Response Task Force.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) announced that the death toll from the earthquake in Central Sulawesi has increased to three, based on updated rapid assessment data.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB's Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, stated on Thursday that all three fatalities were identified in Sigi District, the worst-hit area.

"As of Thursday at 1:51 PM WIB, three people have been confirmed dead, 17 have suffered serious injuries, and 91 have suffered minor injuries," he said.

Meanwhile, the cumulative impact of the disaster has affected at least 2,109 families, or 6,412 people.

Related news: Palu 6.7-magnitude quake carries no tsunami threat: BNPB

Related news: Strong 6.7-magnitude quake damages 841 houses in C Sulawesi: BPBD

Related news: Central Sulawesi quake affects 109 people, BNPB says

Translator: Arie Novarina

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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