inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed that the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government has declared an Earthquake Emergency Response Status following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that affected thousands of residents in five regencies and cities in the region.
The Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated that the status was stipulated in Gubernatorial Decree No. 300.2.1/199/BPBD-6-ST/2026, which is valid for seven days, from June 17 to 23, 2026.
Furthermore, the Sigi Regency Government is currently preparing to declare a 14-day emergency response status, similar to the provincial government.
"Declaring this emergency response status is to expedite the response process in the field," stated Abdul, on Thursday (6/18/2026).
He explained that based on the latest data collected as of Wednesday (6/17/2026) evening, the number of people affected by the earthquake has increased significantly, reaching at least 2,012 families, or 6,458 people.
The greatest concentration of impacts was in Sigi Regency, with 1,991 families or 6,418 people affected, followed by Parigi Moutong Regency with 21 families or 40 people. Data on the impacts in the cities of Palu, Donggala, and Poso is still being updated.
BNPB recorded one death in Sigi Regency, while 79 people were injured, with 15 suffering serious injuries and 64 suffering minor injuries.
The impact of physical infrastructure damage was also widespread, affecting 1,456 houses with minor damage, 112 houses with moderate damage, and 47 houses with severe damage. Dozens of public facilities, including 35 places of worship, 10 schools, and 11 office buildings are also affected.
Regarding field challenges, communication and transportation access to North Lore District in Poso Regency is reportedly still cut off, while the Palu III Bridge in Palu City is completely closed due to structural cracks that pose a risk.
Nevertheless, Abdul, stated that medical management at the affected hospitals is proceeding smoothly, with several patients who were evacuated to emergency posts gradually being moved back to treatment rooms.
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