2,319 Houses Damaged Following Central Sulawesi Earthquake

2,319 Houses Damaged Following Central Sulawesi Earthquake

2 319 Houses Damaged Following Central - Jakarta, Tempo.CO – On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Sigi Regency reported that 2,319 residential structures were affected by the earthquake that struck the region. The tremor, which occurred on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:27 AM local time, caused widespread damage across multiple districts, prompting a coordinated response from local authorities and emergency teams.

Seismic Impact and Casualties

The earthquake’s aftermath revealed a significant toll on the community. According to data from the Disaster Management Operations Control Center (Pusdalops PB), the number of damaged houses totaled 2,319, with 1,966 classified as lightly damaged, 219 as moderate, and 134 as severely affected," stated Henri Kusuma, head of the Sigi Regency BPBD. The figures highlight the varying severity of destruction across different areas.

"Based on data from the Disaster Management Operations Control Center (Pusdalops PB), there are 2,319 damaged houses, consisting of 1,966 lightly damaged houses, 219 moderately damaged, and 134 heavily damaged," said the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Sigi, Henri Kusuma.

Henri also emphasized that the number of people impacted by the disaster has grown. Over 8,586 individuals and 2,762 families were affected, with 17 people sustaining serious injuries, 108 receiving minor injuries, and three fatalities reported. The breakdown of casualties underscores the urgency of ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Geographical Spread of Damage

The earthquake’s effects were not confined to a single area but spread across 42 villages in nine districts. These districts include Sigi Kota, Palolo, Nokilalaki, Tanambulava, Lindu, Dolo, Sigi Biromaru, Dolo Selatan, and Gumbasa. The regions most severely impacted, however, were Uneni, Tongoa, Kamarora A, Kamarora B, and Sintuwu. These villages experienced the highest concentration of structural damage, with many residents left displaced and in need of immediate assistance.

Henri noted that the disaster’s reach was extensive, affecting a wide range of communities. The damage to residential properties in these villages has forced local authorities to prioritize recovery efforts, particularly in areas where infrastructure was most compromised.

Disruption of Public Infrastructure

In addition to residential buildings, the earthquake disrupted numerous public facilities. Government offices, 16 mosques, 63 churches, 37 schools, and five community health centers were damaged, according to the BPBD. The destruction of these essential structures has further strained the region’s capacity to manage the crisis, requiring emergency repairs and temporary relocation of services.

Local officials have been working closely with engineers and volunteers to assess the condition of these facilities. Schools, in particular, are critical for long-term recovery, as they serve as temporary shelters and centers for distributing supplies to affected families.

Earthquake Details and Regional Context

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the earthquake measured 6.7 on the Richter scale. It struck Central Sulawesi, a region historically prone to seismic events, with tremors felt in Sigi, Parimo, Donggala, and Palu City. The timing of the quake, during the morning hours, increased the risk of injuries due to people being indoors at the time.

Central Sulawesi, located in the heart of Indonesia, has faced multiple earthquakes in recent years. The recurrence of such events has led to improved preparedness measures, but the scale of this disaster still poses a major challenge. Officials have expressed concern about the potential for further aftershocks, which could exacerbate the damage to already weakened structures.

Ongoing Updates and Response Efforts

Henri Kusuma assured that the BPBD team is actively updating the situation on a daily basis, providing real-time information to the Sigi Regency Government. This data includes the number of damaged houses, casualties, and the progress of relief operations. The agency has also been coordinating with neighboring districts to ensure a unified approach to recovery and rebuilding.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain cautious and follow guidelines from local authorities. Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced families, and aid distribution has begun. The situation remains fluid, with additional assessments needed to determine the full extent of the damage.

Community and Government Collaboration

Local leaders have emphasized the importance of community resilience in the face of natural disasters. In Sigi Regency, efforts to restore normalcy are being led by a combination of government initiatives and grassroots organizations. Volunteers have played a crucial role in rescue operations, helping to clear debris and provide immediate support to affected households.

Henri Kusuma also highlighted the need for continued monitoring of the disaster’s impact. The BPBD is working with international partners to secure additional resources for recovery. These collaborations aim to expedite rebuilding efforts and strengthen the region’s infrastructure against future seismic events.

Antara’s Contribution to Reporting

This report was compiled with assistance from Antara, a news agency that has been actively covering the earthquake’s aftermath. Antara’s involvement ensures that the public receives timely and accurate updates on the situation in Sigi Regency. The agency has been instrumental in disseminating information about the scale of the disaster and the steps being taken to address it.

As the recovery process continues, the focus remains on restoring safe living conditions for those affected. The BPBD has called for donations and support from both local and national stakeholders to aid in the rebuilding of homes and public facilities. The resilience of the Sigi community will be vital in overcoming the challenges posed by this earthquake.

Further details about the earthquake’s cause and potential long-term effects are being investigated. Scientists are analyzing seismic data to determine whether the event was a result of tectonic activity along the region’s fault lines or other contributing factors. The findings will help inform future disaster mitigation strategies in Central Sulawesi.

In the days following the disaster, local authorities have