BMKG Chief Warns: NTT Aftershocks Will Only Subside in 2-3 Weeks
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has revealed that aftershock activity in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is still ongoing and shows no signs of subsiding. BMKG estimates that the aftershock decay process will only occur within approximately two to three weeks.
BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani said that as of 14.00 WIB, 235 aftershocks had been recorded with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 6.2. Most of the seismic activity is concentrated in the northern region of Flores Island.
“As of 14.00 WIB, 235 aftershock activities have been recorded with magnitudes of 2.5 to 6.2, mainly in the northern part of Flores Island,” Faisal said during a press conference on the post-earthquake condition and handling in Nagekeo Regency, NTT, on Saturday (15/8/2026).
BMKG is also monitoring the frequency of aftershocks over time. Based on the observed graph, the number of aftershocks has not yet entered the decay phase.
“From hour to hour we observe, until now it has not experienced decay,” Faisal said.
He explained that this condition is still considered normal for a major earthquake sequence. Based on experience from previous earthquake events, including the earthquake in North Maluku, the aftershock decay process generally takes around two to three weeks.
“Generally, decay will occur in 2-3 weeks, like the earthquake in North Maluku that recently occurred,” he explained.
Therefore, BMKG is asking the public to remain alert to the possibility of aftershocks that may still occur in the coming weeks.
“It will take time until these aftershocks subside after 2 or 3 weeks,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the same occasion, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto revealed that the death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has increased. The latest data as of 15.00 WIB on Saturday (15/8/2026) recorded 38 fatalities.
Additionally, 2 victims suffered serious injuries and 11 sustained minor injuries. Around 2,000 people have been displaced independently.
“There are 38 recorded fatalities. Then 2 with serious injuries, 11 with minor injuries. Approximately 2,000 people are carrying out independent evacuation,” Suharyanto said during the press conference.
“We have agreed to immediately activate the disaster management post. Then, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, myself as Head of BNPB, will depart for Ende tonight. Upon arrival, we will immediately hold a provincial and city-level meeting,” Suharyanto said.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, a TNI AU Boeing 737 aircraft will be prepared tonight from Halim to Labuan Bajo, NTT, with a take-off schedule of 20.00 WIB. The aircraft is said to be carrying:
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture,
Minister of Home Affairs,
Head of BNPB,
Minister of Public Works (including representatives from PLN, Telkom, Pertamina),
Deputy Minister of Health,
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs.
In addition, presidential assistance in the form of 50,000 basic food packages will be sent to Maumere, NTT.