6.7 Quake Hits Indonesia, 6.3 Tremor Strikes China, One Dead
Powerful earthquakes struck parts of Indonesia and China on Tuesday, triggering panic among residents, causing structural damage in some areas, and prompting emergency response efforts. While Indonesia reported no immediate fatalities, at least one person was killed and four others injured in northwestern China.
In Indonesia, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi Island , sending residents rushing out of homes, offices and hospitals as strong tremors shook the region. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) , the quake occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres , with its epicentre located approximately 43 kilometres east-southeast of Palu .
Several aftershocks followed, including one measuring 5.2 magnitude , keeping residents on edge. Authorities reported scattered damage, including cracked walls, partially collapsed roofs and debris-strewn streets , though no large-scale destruction was immediately confirmed.
Hospitals in Palu evacuated patients as a precaution, including some receiving treatment on IV drips. Residents gathered in open spaces fearing stronger aftershocks.
Hotel manager Effendi Natali said guests were safely evacuated from his property shortly after the quake struck. “We have evacuated all guests from the hotel. Everyone is safe,” he said, adding that the building sustained only minor damage.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat , although some coastal residents briefly moved away from shorelines due to fears of a repeat of previous disasters.
The quake struck near the Palu-Koro fault zone , one of Indonesia’s most active seismic areas. Many residents said the tremor revived painful memories of the devastating 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami , which killed more than 4,300 people , displaced hundreds of thousands and triggered widespread liquefaction that destroyed entire neighbourhoods.
Meanwhile, in China, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Haixi Prefecture in Qinghai Province at 5:06 pm local time , according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC) .
The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres , with the epicentre located at 37.80 degrees north latitude and 95.56 degrees east longitude , state media reported.
Chinese authorities later confirmed that one person was killed and four others were injured . Rescue and emergency teams were dispatched to assess the impact and assist affected communities. Initial reports indicated limited damage, though authorities continued surveying the area for potential structural impacts and additional casualties.
Emergency officials in both countries remained on alert as they monitored aftershocks and gathered information from affected regions. The twin earthquakes once again highlighted the vulnerability of parts of Asia to seismic activity along major tectonic fault lines.