BMKG NTT Confirms Prediction of Major Aftershock Is False

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has confirmed that information circulating on social media regarding a prediction of a major earthquake today at 09.00 WITA is untrue, or a hoax. BMKG stated that the information has no scientific basis.

“The information is untrue, or a hoax,” said Head of the Kupang Geophysics Station Arief Tyastama, as reported by Antara on Saturday (15/8/2026).

He said the circulating information contained a narrative warning of a major aftershock on 15 August 2026 at 09.00 WITA. Arief explained that earthquakes cannot yet be predicted precisely. Prediction covers the time of occurrence, location, and strength of the earthquake.

According to him, currently available technology can only detect earthquakes after they occur. BMKG can also determine earthquake parameters, such as magnitude, depth, and epicentre location, as well as analyse tsunami potential if certain conditions are met.

Therefore, he said claims stating that a major earthquake will occur on a specific date and time have no scientific basis. The information is also not an official BMKG statement.

BMKG NTT asked the public to remain calm and not to readily believe unverified disaster information. He also urged the public not to spread unverified information and to improve literacy regarding disaster information.

He said official information regarding earthquakes, tsunamis, and other geophysical phenomena can be obtained through official BMKG channels.

Previously, BMKG reported that an earthquake occurred in Mbay, Nagekeo, with a magnitude of 7.7. The earthquake was accompanied by a tsunami wave warning.

“#Gempa Mag:7.7, 15-Aug-2026 04:58:24WIB, Lok:8.35LS, 121.37BT (36 km TimurLaut MBAY-NAGEKEO-NTT), Kedlmn:10 Km,” BMKG wrote via its X account.

BMKG then updated the data for the M 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to M 7. The tsunami early warning has now ended.