37 Aftershocks Strike NTT, Largest Measuring M 6.2

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has ended the Tsunami Early Warning for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) at 07:30 WIB. BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto, stated that during the two-hour observation period, at least 37 aftershocks were detected. “With a mainshock magnitude of 7.7, there will certainly be many more aftershocks that could last for days to weeks. However, this does not mean the public should panic, but rather remain alert,” Wijayanto explained during an online press conference on Saturday (15/8/2026). Wijayanto confirmed that the strength of the aftershocks will gradually decay and diminish. The primary cause of this earthquake is back-arc thrust fault activity with a maximum potential strength of up to Magnitude 7.8. “Since the mainshock has already reached 7.7, the intensity of the aftershocks will decrease. Moreover, the Tsunami Early Warning has been terminated, and instrument records show there is no longer any dangerous tsunami potential,” he continued. Nevertheless, Wijayanto still urged the public to increase their vigilance, especially when near cracked or damaged buildings. Previously, BMKG Deputy for Geophysics, Nelly Florida Riama, stated that BMKG continues to monitor aftershock activity and sea level developments. Nelly assured that the agency will periodically communicate data updates to stakeholders and the wider community. “At 07:30 WIB, the Tsunami Early Warning officially ended. We urge the public to remain calm and not be influenced by unverifiable issues,” Nelly stressed. She added that residents should avoid buildings with structures damaged by the shaking and anticipate potential aftershocks. The shaking impact from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake was divided into several intensity scale levels: VII MMI felt in Nagekeo Regency, Ngada Regency, and Mbay City, causing the majority of residents to flee their homes and triggering minor damage to building structures. VI MMI felt in Wolowae (Nagekeo Regency) and Bajawa City, startling residents and causing them to run outside. V MMI felt in Borong and Ruteng cities, with strong enough shaking to wake residents from sleep. The mainshock occurred on Saturday (15/8/2026) at 04:58 WIB with a magnitude of 7.7. The epicentre was located at coordinates 8.35 South Latitude and 121.37 East Longitude, approximately 36 kilometres northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, NTT, at a depth of 10 kilometres. A small tsunami wave measuring 0.3 metres was detected in Labuan Bajo and was also reported to have appeared on the coast of Sikka.