Shallow M5.8 earthquake in Central Sulawesi kills one, injures 41; church collapse and minor tsunami reported

An M5.8 earthquake struck near the town of Poso in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, at 06:38 LT on August 17. The epicenter was located approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) north-northwest of Poso, at a shallow depth of 8 km (5 miles).

The earthquake resulted in one confirmed death and at least 42 injuries, including one person in critical condition. Ten of the injuries, along with the fatality, occurred in the village of Masani, where a partially constructed church collapsed during a Sunday service.

The earthquake caused significant structural damage across the region. A total of 57 homes were affected, including 12 severely damaged. Additional impacts were reported at two other churches, a mosque, several schools, and government buildings.

Shaking was strongest in Poso, where maximum ground intensity reached VI (Strong) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. Lower intensity shaking was felt at MMI IV (Light) in districts including Luwu Timur, Majene, Mamuju, Masamba, Palopo, Polman, and Pasangkayu, and at MMI III (Weak) in Wajo and Tana Toraja.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the earthquake triggered a minor tsunami, with wave heights reaching 4 cm (1.6 inches) in Poso Regency. By 08:00 LT, authorities had recorded 57 aftershocks.

Emergency response teams from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) were deployed to assess damage and coordinate the distribution of emergency supplies. Efforts included the provision of tents, blankets, food, and medical support.

The earthquake is consistent with tectonic activity along the Palu–Koro fault system, part of the broader complex of microplate interactions between the Australian, Pacific, Philippine Sea, and Sunda plates.

Sulawesi lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the most seismically active zones in the world, making it susceptible to frequent earthquakes and related hazards.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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