Jakarta, ThedailyID — More than 1,300 aftershocks have struck Central Sulawesi since a magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit the province on June 16. Thousands of residents remain affected as authorities continue emergency response and recovery efforts.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) recorded 1,349 aftershocks as of midnight on June 23, citing data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Residents felt 49 of those tremors, while the strongest measured magnitude 5.3.
BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari said aftershock activity has declined significantly in recent days. However, authorities continue monitoring seismic conditions across the affected region.
In Sigi Regency, the earthquake affected 3,600 households, or 9,609 people. Abdul said medical teams treated all injured residents and that they have since returned to their normal activities.
Meanwhile, officials continue assessing damage across the district. Preliminary data show 1,979 homes with minor damage, 277 with moderate damage and 277 with severe damage.
The earthquake also damaged 110 places of worship, including 29 mosques and 81 churches. In addition, authorities recorded damage to 19 government office buildings, including the Sigi Regent’s Office and the regional development planning agency.
Officials further reported damage to 35 schools, 10 community health centers, two traditional houses, two clean water networks and six other public facilities. Abdul said inspectors still need to verify the figures, meaning the numbers could change after structural assessments are completed.
The Sigi administration has maintained its disaster emergency response status from June 16 through June 30. Meanwhile, BNPB said it would continue assisting local authorities while preparing rehabilitation and reconstruction programs to support long-term recovery.
At the same time, Torabelo Regional General Hospital in Sigi continues treating patients in emergency tents as officials assess the safety of damaged buildings. Hospital services moved outdoors after inspections found damage in two inpatient care facilities.
Head of Medical Services dr. Marannu C. Sambo said the hospital would continue operating from the tents until further notice. He said the measure aims to protect patients, their families and medical workers while aftershocks continue across the district.
According to Marannu, fewer than 20 patients remain under treatment in the emergency tents, including children, older residents and general medical patients. The hospital is awaiting additional structural evaluations before deciding whether the damaged buildings can reopen.
Meanwhile, doctors referred patients with fractures to Undata Regional Hospital for specialist orthopedic care. Marannu said only one patient with minor earthquake-related injuries or trauma remains in recovery.
He added that health services continue operating normally under close supervision from medical staff and hospital management. Currently, 10 patients are receiving treatment in a surgical care tent, including earthquake victims and routine surgical patients.
According to the Sigi Earthquake Emergency Response Task Force, the disaster had damaged at least 3,032 homes as of June 23. The total included 1,959 homes with minor damage, 796 with moderate damage and 277 with severe damage.
The earthquake seriously injured 14 people and caused minor injuries to 78 others. It also claimed the lives of three residents.
