The violent tremors sent people in and around Palu—the capital of Central Sulawesi province, home to around 400,000 residents—rushing into open areas for safety. Several hospitals also moved patients outdoors as a safety precaution, including those connected to IV drips.
Images from the scene showed significant structural damage, with partially collapsed roofs, cracked walls, and debris scattered across the streets. Indonesia's National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) stated that they are still gathering information regarding the extent of the damage, casualties, and displaced individuals.
"We evacuated all guests from the hotel, including those who were still in their rooms," said Effendi Natali, the general manager of a four-star hotel in Palu.
"Everyone panicked—it’s a natural reaction to an earthquake—but everyone is safe," Mr. Natali added, noting that the hotel sustained only minor damage.
The earthquake's epicenter was initially located about 43 kilometers southeast of Palu. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Multiple aftershocks followed, the strongest of which registered a magnitude of 5.2.
Residents also fled coastal areas as a precaution against a potential tsunami. Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) stated there was no tsunami threat, but warned that aftershocks could still occur.
"The shaking caused by the earthquake was extremely violent. We are still traumatized by past earthquakes, so we chose to stay outdoors out of fear that aftershocks might continue," said Muhtar Ahmad, a resident of Palu.
Indonesia sits on multiple seismic fault lines, making earthquakes and volcanic activity a frequent occurrence.
Many residents in Sulawesi are still haunted by the memory of the powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake that devastated Palu in 2018. That event triggered a tsunami about 3 meters high along with soil liquefaction—a phenomenon where the ground loses its stability and collapses.
More than 4,000 people lost their lives in that disaster, with many buried as the ground gave way, swallowing entire neighborhoods.
In January 2021, another 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Mamuju on Sulawesi Island, killing at least 100 people. Thousands of residents spent nights sleeping outdoors for days, fearing further aftershocks.
