TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, was classified as a shallow and potentially destructive quake that occurred in a region crisscrossed by multiple active faults.
The strong tremors damaged homes, public facilities, and infrastructure across several areas.
Daryono, a member of the Indonesian Disaster Experts Association (IABI), outlined six key facts explaining the earthquake's characteristics, including its source, fault mechanism, and the seismic risks facing Central Sulawesi.
1. A Shallow Earthquake That Generated Strong Shaking
According to Daryono, the earthquake was a shallow crustal event. Because its hypocenter was located relatively close to the Earth's surface, much of the seismic energy reached populated areas without significant dissipation.
As a result, strong shaking was felt around the epicenter, including in Palu, Sigi, and Parigi Moutong regencies. The impact was further intensified by soft sediment layers that amplified ground motion.
2. Occurred Within a Complex Fault System
The earthquake's epicenter was located in an area influenced by several active fault structures, including the Sausu, Palolo, Malei, Parigi, Tokararu, and Saluki fault segments, as well as the Lore Lindu Fracture Zone.
Daryono said the interaction of these faults creates a highly dynamic deformation zone, allowing seismic energy to be released through various faulting mechanisms.
3. Triggered by a Normal Fault Mechanism
The earthquake was generated by a normal fault, or downward-slip, mechanism. This type of faulting occurs when the Earth's crust is stretched and pulled apart.
In Central Sulawesi, the stretching is linked to tectonic activity associated with the Palu-Koro Fault system. The process has contributed to the formation of sediment-filled basins, which can amplify earthquake shaking at the surface.
4. Caused One Fatality and Structural Damage
Data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) showed that the earthquake damaged at least 67 houses and claimed one life.
BNPB's Head of Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said one resident was reported dead in Sigi Regency as of 07:00 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB) on Tuesday.
The agency recorded 26 houses with minor damage, six with moderate damage, and 12 with severe damage. Damage was also reported at six places of worship, two bridges, a public facility, two government office buildings, and three commercial properties.
Sigi Regency was among the hardest-hit areas. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) also reported damage to the Sigi Regent's Office, the Tadulako University auditorium, the Santika Palu Hotel, and several homes in Parigi Moutong.
5. Followed by Dozens of Aftershocks
BMKG Deputy for Geophysics Nelly Florida Riama said that by noon Western Indonesian Time (WIB), roughly 90 minutes after the main shock, the agency had recorded 20 aftershocks.
The strongest aftershock measured magnitude 5.1. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region.
6. No Tsunami Despite Minor Sea-Level Rise
BMKG recorded a 7.5-centimeter increase in sea level at Pantoloan Port in Palu following the earthquake. However, the agency emphasized that the fluctuation was not a tsunami and posed no threat to coastal communities.
BMKG Director for Earthquakes and Tsunamis Wijayanto said the sea-level rise was observed only at Pantoloan Port. No similar changes were detected in other coastal areas, including Poso and Parigi Moutong.
Read: What Is the Extent of Damage Caused by 6.7M Palu Earthquake?
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