Jakarta, June 18: The death toll from the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Tuesday has risen to three, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The agency reported on Thursday that 17 individuals are severely injured.
As per reports from Xinhua News Agency, BNPB indicated that 91 people suffered minor injuries, while over 6,412 individuals have been affected by this disaster. The most significant damage occurred in the Sigi Regency area, where numerous villages reported destruction.
The earthquake struck at 11:27 AM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 42 kilometers southeast of Palu city, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Fortunately, no tsunami followed the quake.
The government has dispatched essential relief supplies, including tents, food packets, mattresses, and blankets. Rescue teams are actively assessing the damage and conducting relief operations.
BNPB declared a state of emergency across the province following the earthquake on Tuesday. At that time, one death, 79 injuries, and over 6,400 affected individuals had been reported.
This emergency status will remain in effect until June 23 to expedite relief and rescue efforts. A total of 2,012 families have been impacted, primarily from the Sigi Regency area.
Authorities have recorded at least 13 aftershocks so far. Residents are advised to stay away from damaged buildings and not to enter them until they are declared safe.
Earlier this month, BNPB had warned residents in the northern coastal areas to move to higher ground due to the tsunami threat following a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the southern Philippines.
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