August 17, 2025 | 10:38 am
EARTHQUAKE with a magnitude of 5.8-previously announced as M6.0-shook the region of Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The epicenter recorded at 05.38 AM local time was located 18 kilometers northwest of Poso, 82 kilometers northeast of Sigi, 89 kilometers northwest of North Morowali, and 93 kilometers southeast of Palu.
The Director of Earthquake and Tsunami of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Daryono, stated that the quake's depth was 10 kilometers. "It is confirmed to have no potential for a tsunami," he said in a written statement shortly after the incident.
According to Daryono, most of the people in the coastal areas of Poso, such as Masani Village, Tokorondo, Towu, Pinedapa, Tangkura, and Lape, felt the impact of the tremor. In Poso Regency, the earthquake was strongly felt for about 15 seconds. Most of the people rushed out of their homes to find a safe place.
As of the time of writing, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Poso Regency recorded 29 people injured due to the earthquake. There were 13 people referred to the Poso Regional Hospital, including 2 in critical condition and 6 who were treated at the Tokorondo Community Health Center. The quake also damaged the Elim Church in Masani Village. The data collection for the number of refugees is still ongoing.
The residents in Sigi Regency also felt the tremor for about 7 seconds. The people also rushed out of their homes. There have been no reports of casualties or building damage in Sigi Regency.
For several hours after the earthquake, Daryono stated that the Poso Regency BPBD continues to work on emergency responses, including data collection. "The urgent needs reported at the moment are tents and medicines to support the affected residents," he said.
The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, instructed the Deputy Chief of Emergency Response to strengthen coordination with local authorities. He ordered his staff to immediately go to the location of the incident.
"Analyze the condition there. We will immediately go there," said the Head of BNPB in a written statement on Sunday morning.
The Head of Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disaster Management of BNPB, Abdul Muhari, stated that they continue to coordinate with local BPBD and relevant parties at the sub-district and village levels for data collection, monitoring, and post-earthquake handling. "Local residents are advised to remain calm and vigilant against the potential for aftershocks."
Local residents in Poso and surrounding areas are advised to immediately find a safe place and avoid buildings that are cracked or potentially collapse, ensure clear evacuation routes at home, schools, and workplaces, and prepare a disaster readiness kit containing basic necessities, medicines, important documents including a flashlight.
"In addition, residents are also advised to turn off electricity, gas, and water if necessary to prevent the risk of fire or leakage," said Daryono.
There is also a suggestion for residents to create emergency alarms from household items such as pots or stacked cans. "If there is a tremor from seismic activity, the items will fall and produce a sound as a sign of danger."
Editor's Choice: M4.4 Earthquake Jolts Southern West Java, from Sukabumi to Garut
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
BMKG Predicts Clear Skies with Clouds for Jakarta on Indonesia's 80th Independence Day
1 jam lalu
BMKG predicts clear and overcast weather in Jakarta and surroundings to persist until the lowering of the Red and White flag ceremony, even until the evening.
M4.4 Earthquake Jolts Southern West Java, from Sukabumi to Garut
2 hari lalu
Classified as a shallow earthquake with a depth of 20 kilometers, the tremor was caused by underwater fault activity.
BMKG Issues Warning for 4-Meter High Waves in Indonesian Waters Ahead August 17
2 hari lalu
The potential for high waves in several regions could pose risks to marine safety.
M4.8 Earthquake Strikes Papua's Sarmi Amid Aftershock Swarm
2 hari lalu
The BMKG noted that it is still a series of aftershocks from the 6.4 magnitude main earthquake on August 12, 2025.
M4.7 Earthquake in Indonesia's Southern Waters Rattles Sukabumi to Tasikmalaya Regions
4 hari lalu
The earthquake's epicenter was located in the sea at a distance of 82 kilometers southwest of Bandung Regency, Indonesia.
BMKG Weather Forecast: Most of Greater Jakarta to Experience Rain Starting in the Afternoon
5 hari lalu
With the potential for high rainfall, the air humidity levels in Greater Jakarta throughout Tuesday, August 12, 2025, range from 64-98%, says BMKG.
BMKG Warns of Extreme Weather: Heavy Rainfall, Strong Winds Expected Across Indonesia
5 hari lalu
BMKG is warning the public about an increased potential for extreme weather over the next few days.
Govt Confirms Indonesians Safe Following Turkey's 6.1-Magnitude Earthquake
5 hari lalu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no Indonesians were affected by the earthquake in Balikesir, Turkey.
6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Turkey, Killing One and Collapses Dozens of Buildings
5 hari lalu
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake has struck Balikesir Province, northwestern Turkey, killing one person, injuring 29, and toppling dozens of buildings.
What is the Pacific Ring of Fire and Which Countries Does It Affect
7 hari lalu
A Portuguese explorer famously named the Pacific Ocean the "Mar Pacifico" or Peaceful Sea, unaware of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
