Magnitude 5.7 earthquake — Palu, Indonesia

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck northern Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, at 16:25 UTC on 15 August 2026, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 72 kilometres, with its epicentre approximately 125 kilometres north-north-east of Palu. In local time, the event occurred shortly after midnight on 16 August. USGS classified the event as reviewed, rather than a preliminary automated estimate.

USGS ShakeMap information indicated light shaking in the broader Palu area, while the UN and European Commission’s Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System assessed the expected humanitarian impact as low. Its modelling placed around 660,000 people within an area of MMI IV shaking, a level generally described as light. The available official event information did not indicate a tsunami warning or confirm casualties or damage; assessments can change as local authorities gather reports.