A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, on 16 June 2026, leaving thousands of people affected and causing widespread damage across several communities, particularly in Sigi District.

According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, approximately 244 kilometres southeast of Palu. The quake was tectonic in origin and did not trigger a tsunami. However, strong shaking and hundreds of aftershocks have continued to impact affected communities.

Indonesia Earthquake 2026: One Dead, Dozens Injured and Thousands Affected

As of 18 June 2026, preliminary reports indicate that:

• 1 person has died
• 75 people were injured
• 5,774 people have been affected
• 1,360 houses were damaged
• 3 schools sustained damage
• 33 places of worship were affected
• 2 water system installations were damaged
• 8 public facilities were impacted

The figures are expected to change as assessments continue.

The most severely affected area is Sigi District, including Palolo Sub-district, which was previously impacted by the devastating 2018 earthquake and liquefaction disaster. The latest earthquake has reignited trauma and fear among local residents, many of whom are still reluctant to return to their homes.

Ongoing Aftershocks Increase Fear and Displacement

More than 119 aftershocks were reported within a single day following the earthquake, prompting many families to seek refuge in temporary shelters and makeshift tents near their homes.

One elderly resident reportedly died from a heart attack during the earthquake. Meanwhile, injured survivors have been evacuated to nearby hospitals as local health facilities struggle to cope with the scale of the emergency.

Safe Water and Electricity Remain Critical Needs

Access to clean and safe drinking water has emerged as one of the most urgent challenges.

The earthquake triggered landslides in the Nokilalaki mountain area, damaging water pipelines that supply surrounding communities. As a result, many families are now dependent on externally supplied water.

The situation has been further compounded by a prolonged power outage across affected areas. Limited lighting and reduced access to basic services continue to affect families staying in communal shelters and personal tents.

Local authorities have declared a 14-day emergency response period, effective from 16 June 2026, to support ongoing relief efforts.

Islamic Relief Provides Immediate Humanitarian Assistance

Islamic Relief teams were deployed immediately following the earthquake to support emergency response efforts in Central Sulawesi.

By the first evening of the response, the Emergency Response Team successfully distributed:

• 7 water tanks with a capacity of 1,050 litres each
• 100 boxes of bottled drinking water

A generator is also being prepared for delivery to support electricity needs at evacuation centres.

Islamic Relief has allocated funds to provide emergency assistance for approximately 170 affected households. Additional support is being mobilised through ongoing fundraising efforts to reach up to 1,000 vulnerable families.

Food, Shelter and Hygiene Support Planned

Over the coming days, Islamic Relief plans to distribute essential humanitarian aid, including:

• Food packages containing rice, cooking oil, eggs, sugar and other basic items
• Tarpaulins for temporary shelter
• Hygiene kits with essential personal care items
• Blankets for affected families

Islamic Relief is also exploring the establishment of communal kitchens, drawing on successful experience from previous disaster responses in Aceh, to provide cooked meals for vulnerable survivors while ensuring food safety and hygiene standards.

Supporting Communities Through Recovery

While no waterborne disease outbreaks have been reported so far, humanitarian agencies remain concerned about the potential health risks associated with ongoing water shortages and poor living conditions.

As communities in Central Sulawesi continue to face uncertainty, Islamic Relief remains committed to providing life-saving assistance and supporting affected families throughout the emergency response and recovery period.

Learn more about our International Emergency Appeal here and support families in need.