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Roads Crack, School Roofs Collapse: Watch Scary Visuals Captured During Indonesia's 6.7-Magnitude Earthquake

A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island on Tuesday, causing panic among residents, damaging several buildings and forcing hospitals to evacuate patients. While the tremors were widely felt across the region, authorities said there was no tsunami threat, offering some relief to people living along the coast.

Indonesia s 6 7-Magnitude Earthquake
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On Tuesday, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island near Palu, damaging buildings and causing hospital evacuations. Authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat following the tremor, which caused widespread panic.

The earthquake also brought back painful memories of the devastating 2018 disaster that hit the same region, killing thousands of people.

Strong Quake Hits Near Palu

According to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located around 42 kilometres southeast of Palu, the capital city of Central Sulawesi province.

The shaking was felt across Palu and nearby areas, with many residents reporting that the ground shook for more than a minute. People rushed out of homes, offices and shops as buildings trembled. Soon after the main quake, several aftershocks were also recorded, including one measuring 5.2 in magnitude.

Authorities have advised residents to remain alert as additional aftershocks are possible in the coming hours.

Scary Visuals Captured On Camera:

Hospitals and Buildings Evacuated

The powerful tremor caused damage to a number of structures, although officials said the destruction appeared to be scattered rather than widespread. Emergency teams were sent to assess the condition of buildings and public infrastructure.

As a precautionary measure, several hospitals in the affected areas evacuated patients to open spaces outside the facilities. Videos shared by local media showed patients, including some attached to intravenous (IV) drips, being moved outdoors while doctors and nurses continued to monitor their condition.

So far, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or serious injuries, but rescue and disaster response teams remain on standby.

No Tsunami Threat, Say Authorities

Following the earthquake, concerns quickly emerged over the possibility of a tsunami because Sulawesi has experienced deadly earthquake-triggered waves in the past. However, Indonesia's disaster management and geophysics agencies confirmed that the latest quake did not have the potential to generate a tsunami.

Officials urged the public to rely only on verified information from government agencies and avoid spreading rumours or unconfirmed reports on social media.

Why Earthquakes Are Common in Indonesia

Sulawesi is one of Indonesia's most earthquake-prone regions. In January 2021, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Mamuju, killing at least 100 people and leaving thousands homeless. Many survivors were forced to stay outdoors for days due to repeated aftershocks and concerns over damaged buildings.

The island's location makes it highly vulnerable to seismic activity, and local authorities regularly conduct disaster preparedness programmes to help communities respond quickly during emergencies.

Indonesia lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped zone known for intense geological activity. The region is where several major tectonic plates meet and constantly move against one another.

This movement frequently triggers earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making Indonesia one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The country experiences hundreds of earthquakes every year, although many are too small to cause damage.

Experts say the latest quake is another reminder of the importance of earthquake-resistant infrastructure and effective disaster preparedness in a country where seismic activity is a part of everyday life.

While the initial reports suggest that the impact of Tuesday's earthquake has been limited compared to previous disasters, authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Assessment teams are inspecting affected areas, while emergency services remain prepared to respond if further aftershocks occur.

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