A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province, killing one hospital patient during an evacuation and damaging homes and public buildings, authorities said.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province late Sunday, leaving one person dead and causing damage to homes and public facilities, local authorities said.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) said the shallow earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter in Buol Regency. The tremor was also felt in parts of neighboring Gorontalo province.

Authorities urged residents to evacuate as a precaution while emergency teams responded to the affected areas.

A patient receiving treatment at a regional hospital died during the evacuation carried out after the earthquake, local officials said. No other fatalities have been reported.

Preliminary assessments found damage to homes, government buildings, a hospital and several commercial properties. Temporary shelters have been established for displaced residents, while emergency teams continue damage assessment and relief operations.

Authorities are distributing emergency supplies as officials work to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake. (ILKHA)