Jakarta: A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province late Sunday, killing a hospital patient during an evacuation and damaging homes and public buildings, said local authorities.

According to Anadolu Agency, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency reported that the shallow quake occurred at 9:46 pm local time (1346GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), with its epicenter located in Buol regency. The tremor was also felt in neighboring areas of Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo province.

Buol Disaster Mitigation Agency chief Moh Khacfy Mardjun indicated that preliminary assessments revealed damage to government buildings, a hospital, a restaurant, and residential properties. "Preliminary data shows damage to several public facilities and residential buildings. One patient at the regional hospital also died during the evacuation process," Khacfy stated.

Authorities are continuing to assess the damage, set up temporary shelters, and distribute emergency supplies, according to the Jakarta Globe.