A magnitude 6.7 earthquake occurred in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, where at least eight people have been injured, and several structures were destroyed in areas around the provincial capital, Palu, reports say.

The temblor had its epicenter 43 km southeast of Palu at a depth of 10 km, says the United States Geological Survey. The quake has been followed by several aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.2 aftershock.

According to the National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia, eight people were hurt in Sigi Regency, two of whom suffered severe injuries and had been admitted to the hospital. Officials were evaluating the situation in three regencies around the epicenter, which together are home to approximately 1.2 million people.

The strong ground shaking prompted people in the city of Palu and nearby areas to run outside. Hospitals had evacuated patients outside to be on the safe side; even patients under treatment were taken out of buildings for checks.

The National Disaster Management Agency indicated that data about damages caused by the earthquake to structures, deaths, and displacements is still being gathered. Some of the images from places impacted by the quake revealed collapsed roofs, damaged walls, cracked walls, and debris in the streets.

Occupants were evacuated by hotel management and other business owners because of the quake. Hotel operator Effendi Natali stated that guests had been taken outside for inspections and the hotel sustained some minimal damage from the earthquake.

According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, no tsunami warning was issued due to the occurrence of an earthquake in the region; however, there may be aftershocks.

The recent earthquake reminded locals of the earthquake and tsunami in 2018 that occurred and led to more than 4,000 deaths.

In spite of assurances from the authorities that no tsunami would result from the quake, people evacuated coastal regions in order to be on the safe side.

Emergency crews were stationed at various locations, conducting inspections and damage assessments at homes, public buildings, and other facilities.