BMKG Predicts Aftershocks in NTT to Continue for 3-4 Weeks

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that aftershocks in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) will continue for another three to four weeks. In total, BMKG has recorded 2,119 aftershocks as of Tuesday (18/8), following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Flores, NTT, on Saturday (15/8).

“Based on preliminary data, these aftershocks will end in the next three to four weeks,” said BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis Wijayanto in a written statement on Tuesday (18/8).

Of the thousands of aftershocks, 24 events had a magnitude above 5, while 70 aftershocks were felt by residents.

The magnitude 7 earthquake in Flores on Saturday (15/8) morning triggered a tsunami in the surrounding area.

Wijayanto explained that this shallow earthquake was triggered by tectonic activity in the Flores Back-Arc with a thrust fault mechanism.

Two minutes after the earthquake, BMKG immediately issued a tsunami early warning with SIAGA status (0.5 - 3 metres) and Waspada status.

Observations from tide gauge stations showed that the earthquake triggered a tsunami at 16 locations across four provinces: NTT, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi. The highest tsunami wave was recorded in Pota, East Manggarai, NTT, at 05.03 WIB, with a height of 1.605 metres.

Data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as of Monday (17/8) recorded 68 fatalities and 213 injuries caused by the earthquake.

Damage also occurred in several areas, particularly West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Sikka, Maumere, with damage levels varying from light to severe.