Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes central Indonesia

A shallow 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook central Indonesia on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor, which hit east-southeast of Palu in Central Sulawesi province, was felt strongly in the cities of Palu and Sigi.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency confirmed the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat. Residents described the experience with alarm. "Suddenly, it was like there was a jolt, and then the whole house seemed to shake. The entire roof was making noise, like it was about to collapse," said Palu resident Nurhaidar, 42, who was cooking when the quake struck. She added, "I hurried to evacuate with all the kids, and even though we were disoriented and confused for a moment, we managed to get out."

This seismic activity is common in Indonesia, an archipelago situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire." This region is known for intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide. The area has a history of devastating earthquakes, including a magnitude-7.5 quake and subsequent tsunami in Palu in 2018 that claimed over 2,200 lives.

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Suddenly, it was like there was a jolt, and then the whole house seemed to shake. The entire roof was making noise, like it was about to collapse. I hurried to evacuate with all the kids, and even though we were disoriented and confused for a moment, we managed to get out.