7.5 magnitude earthquake rattles Indonesia and triggers tsunami in Palu

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

September 28, 2018, 12:19:31 PM EDT

A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi around 5 p.m. local time on Friday.

The earthquake was initially measured at a magnitude of 7.5 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). About 10 minutes later, another quake struck the area, this one registering as a magnitude of 5.8.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned that a tsunami was possible as a result, according to the Associated Press. 

Just after 8 p.m., a spokesperson for the BMKG confirmed that a tsunami occurred along a shoreline of Palu.

Houses were reportedly swept away and families are reported missing following the tsunami, according to the AP. The 3-meter (10-foot) -tall tsunami impacted at least two cities, disrupting communication and power to the area.

An official with Akris, the local disaster agency, said that many houses collapsed due to the powerful evening earthquake.