Buol Regency, Central Sulawesi, was shaken by a magnitude 5.4 tectonic earthquake on Sunday (12/7/2026) night. The tremor, which occurred at around 21:46 WITA, was centered at sea 37 kilometers northeast of Buol at a shallow depth, triggered by subduction activity in the region.
The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Buol Regency confirmed a fatality in this event. A patient at the Buol Regional General Hospital (RSUD) reportedly died of a heart attack triggered by intense panic when the tremor occurred. The evacuation of patients from wards was carried out as an emergency measure to avoid more fatal consequences.
Mass panic was inevitable following the earthquake. Most residents living along the coast rushed to evacuate to highlands and hills around the regent's office. This preventive step was taken by the community due to fears of a potential tsunami, especially after rumors circulated about receding sea levels, although the BMKG quickly clarified that the earthquake did not have the potential to trigger a tsunami.
The infrastructure impact from the tremor was significant. Based on preliminary data from the BPBD rapid response team, at least 75 houses suffered varying degrees of damage, from minor to severe. In addition to residential homes, several public buildings, including the Public Service Mall, the Inspectorate Office, and parts of the Buol RSUD treatment rooms, also reported material damage.
To date, authorities are continuing to conduct field assessments to fully log the losses. Although the situation in the affected area has gradually returned to normal and residents began returning home on Monday morning, the local government continues to urge the public to remain vigilant against potential aftershocks.
