BNPB Reassures No Isolated Villages Following 6.7 Magnitude Earthquake in Palu

Palu: The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) received zero reports of isolated villages following 6.7-magnitude earthquake in Central Sulawesi.

No centralized evacuation post has been established thus far, with residents choosing to evacuate independently and set up tarpaulin tents around their homes.
 
The Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, cited psychological trauma as the main driver behind the residents’ insistence on an independent evacuation.
 
“We have not established centralized large-scale evacuation efforts. Currently, most people have chosen to set up temporary emergency tarpaulins tents around their homes," said Abdul Muhari, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
 
Based on data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), 118 aftershocks were detected with declining magnitudes following the 6.7 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The tremors were felt across several areas, including Palu City, Poso Regency, Sigi, and Parigi Moutong.
 
Abdul Muhari confirmed that the distribution of family tents was underway for families whose homes experienced substantial damage. The tents are expected to provide adequate temporary shelter for the victims.
 
On the matter of regional connectivity, Abdul stated that transportation routes between regions have remained intact, though some roads connecting the Palu, Sigi, and Poso corridors are reportedly covered by landslide debris; damage to the roads is expected to be swiftly resolved.
 
"The roads have not collapsed despite the landslide, so it should be accessible to the public within one to two days," said Abdul Muhari.
 
The local Public Works Department has been deployed to carry out emergency restoration efforts on the roads affected by the landslide. As of Wednesday afternoon, June 17, 2026, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Operations Control Center reported that approximately 1,834 families, or 5,784 individuals, had been affected by the earthquake and were being cared for by joint team officers.

Of the 5784, one has been reported dead, with 73 having suffered minor injuries, and three others suffering from serious injuries. Abdul clarified that the serious injuries were sustained from collapsed building structures, which led to broken bones.
 
“Serious injuries related to bone fractures and breaks were caused by collapsing building structures. 1,813 families in Sigi and 21 families Parigi Moutong were impacted, with an additional two individuals in Palu, and one in Poso experiencing minor injuries," declared Abdul Muhari.
 
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), along with local governments and joint teams, will continue to monitor the situation, conducting emergency responses, and distributing aid to the affected. The public is advised to remain vigilant for more potential aftershocks, and to rely only on information from trusted news sources.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)