Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
At least one person has died after a powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, causing widespread damage and dozens of injuries.
The earthquake struck on Tuesday around 43km east-southeast of Palu, a city that is still scarred by mass devastation eight years ago from another large earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 4,000 people.
The shaking caused people to evacuate into open spaces across Palu, while houses, places of worship and public buildings were damaged by the tremor. Palu Bridge III, a key transport link that connects areas of the city, has also cracked, forcing authorities to close it.
A building is left damaged by an earthquake in Palu, Indonesia, on 16 June 2026 (AFP/Getty)
Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency, confirmed one fatality and 38 injuries.
Some 71 aftershocks were recorded throughout the day, the largest having a magnitude of 5.2. A preliminary report suggests that at least 312 people have been displaced by the earthquake following the damage.
Sulawesi is located at the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, and is popular with adventure travellers, scuba divers and tourists who want a quieter experience away from Bali.
Here is what to know if you have a holiday booked in Indonesia following the earthquake.
Is there a risk of a tsunami?
Coastal communities moved inland as a precautionary measure against a potential tsunami, although Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency confirmed there was no such danger, warning only of continued aftershocks.
Are flights still running?
Several flights to and from Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport and Palu Mutiara airport appear not to have operated on Tuesday and Wednesday, although many have still departed and landed.
Cancelled or unknown status flights include those operated by Lion Air, Batik Air and Sriwijaya Air among others, with almost all of them travelling to or from other airports in Indonesia. The Independent has contacted these airlines for more information.
Check with your airline for the latest status of your flight, and what to do if your flight has been affected.
What does the UK government say?
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) has not released any new travel advisories as a result of the recent earthquake.
There are some longstanding travel advisories in place, however, as the FCDO advises against all travel to a number of volcanoes in Indonesia.
A man talks on his phone near a building damaged in an earthquake in Palu, Indonesia, on 16 June 2026 (AP)
The FCDO advises against travel within varying kilometres of the craters of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, Mount Sinabung, Mount Marapi, Mount Semeru, Mount Ruang and Mount Ibu.
Its general advice for earthquakes in Indonesia says that if a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, follow the instructions of local authorities.
Should I cancel my holiday?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Indonesia, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
If you do have travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
Read more: One person killed and dozens injured as powerful earthquake rattles central Indonesia
