5.7-magnitude earthquake in Central Sulawesi injures four, damages dozens of homes

 

JAKARTA: A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province on Thursday (July 24) evening, injuring four people and impacting 609 families totalling 2,011 individuals, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said.

Spokesperson Abdul Muhari stated that the quake, which struck the inland area of Poso district, damaged 35 houses -14 of them severely - as well as one educational facility and a place of worship.

"Initial readings from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded the quake at magnitude 6.0, but it was later revised to 5.7,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Tremors were felt across several districts, including Pamona Tenggara, Pamona Selatan, Pamona Barat, Pamona Puselemba and Pamona Timur, prompting many residents to remain outdoors overnight for fear of aftershocks.

"The quake triggered panic in several areas, including Poso Regional Hospital and Sinar Kasih Hospital in Tentena, where patients and their families were temporarily evacuated as a precaution,” Abdul Muhari added.

Since the initial quake, 11 aftershocks have been recorded, the strongest measuring magnitude 5.5. BNPB continues to monitor the situation while urging residents to remain vigilant for potential further seismic activity. - Bernama