Shallow M 6.7 Quake Shakes Palu, Hospital Patients Flee

A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck Palu City, Central Sulawesi, on Tuesday, causing panic among residents who rushed out of their homes. The strong shaking prompted evacuations at the Samaritan Hospital, where patients, their families, and healthcare workers quickly left the building for open areas.

According to the latest data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake's epicenter was located at sea, approximately 42 kilometers southeast of Palu, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The agency stated that the earthquake did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

Despite the lack of a tsunami threat, the tremors were felt strongly across several areas, including Palu City, Sigi Regency, Donggala, and Tojo Una-Una Regency. At Samaritan Hospital, the evacuation was carried out as a precautionary measure against potential aftershocks or other dangers. Patients undergoing treatment were moved using wheelchairs and beds as hospital staff worked swiftly to guide everyone to safer ground.

The hospital grounds filled with patients and their families who opted to remain outside while awaiting confirmation that the situation was completely safe. "We ran out because the shaking was very strong," said Salam, a resident who was at the hospital during the earthquake, quoting Antara. Although the event caused initial panic, the evacuation process was orderly, with hospital staff ensuring all patients received care and remained secure.

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We ran out because the guncangannya sangat terasa.