Indonesia quake damages more than 800 homes, leaves one dead

A powerful earthquake that struck Central Sulawesi province in Indonesia has damaged at least 841 homes, killed one person, and injured dozens more, according to local disaster management authorities.

The magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast on June 16, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), causing widespread damage across several districts in the province, Caliber.Az reports via ANTARA. 

Head of Emergency and Logistics at the Central Sulawesi BPBD Andi Sembiring said Sigi District was the hardest-hit area.

“At least 800 houses were damaged in Sigi District, comprising 720 slightly damaged houses, 68 moderately damaged houses, and 12 severely damaged houses,” he said.

In addition to residential properties, the earthquake damaged two government offices, 15 places of worship, a facility belonging to a micro, small and medium-sized enterprise, and a bridge linking Kamarora B Village and Tongoa Village.

Preliminary assessments by the BPBD recorded damage in Sigi District, Parigi Moutong District, Palu City, and Poso District.

In Parigi Moutong, 37 homes were damaged. In Palu, authorities reported damage to a house, a business building, the auditorium and multipurpose building of Tadulako University, as well as sections of the Best Western and Santika hotels.

In Poso District, three houses in Tumora Village were damaged, while road access in the Napu area reportedly collapsed following the quake.

Authorities said the earthquake left one person dead, 13 seriously injured, and 63 others with minor injuries. Damage assessments and recovery efforts are continuing across the affected areas.

By Sabina Mammadli