On 18 August 2012, at 17:41:52 WITA (09:41:52 UTC), a 6.3 earthquake struck Sigi Regency in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, south-southeast of Palu.
Tectonic setting Sulawesi lies within the complex zone of interaction between the Australian, Pacific, Philippine and Sunda plates in which many small microplates are developed. The main active structure onshore in the western part of Central Sulawesi is the left-lateral NNW-SSE Palu-Koro strike-slip fault that forms the boundary between the North Sula and Makassar blocks.
Earthquake The United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude () of 6.3, at a depth of and a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe).
Impact Six people were killed by falling debris and tons of mud, including a nine-year-old boy. 43 others were injured, including 8 in critical condition. 471 homes were destroyed and 1,097 damaged in the epicentral area. Landslides also blocked roads and some bridges.
References